HIV Care Networks or Consortiums are responsible for the planning, development, and delivery of HIV related services in states that receive support through the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act, Part B. If any other providers or organizations should be listed here, or not be listed here, please let us know.
- Genevive Meredith
Ryan White Part B Coordinator
Maine CDC; HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Program
286 Water St, 9th Floor
Augusta ME 04330
Phone: (207) 287-4846
Fax: (207) 287-3498
genevive.meredith@maine.gov
HIV Case Management
In Maine, HIV case management services are offered by five non-profit agencies:
- Frannie Peabody Center (serving York and Cumberland counties)
- St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center (serving Androscoggin and Oxford counties)
- The Horizon Program (serving Franklin, Kennebec, Somerset, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties, as well as parts of Waldo and Knox counties)
- Eastern Maine AIDS Network (serving Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties, as well as parts of Waldo and Knox counties)
- Down East AIDS Network (serving Washington and Hancock counties)
Other Maine Resources
What is HIV Case Management?
HIV Case Management services let people living with HIV disease learn about programs and services they might be eligible for. Your case manager may help you identify community resources, supports, and opportunities for getting involved, if you are interested. You will work with your case manager to identify and achieve goals that are important to improving your quality of life. Case management services are completely confidential and are provided free of charge. In Maine, HIV Case Management services are funded with Ryan White Title II dollars, as well as some state funds. Thanks to the HIV Program Staff of Maine CDC; HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Program for the following definition of HIV Case Management. It should be pretty much the same wherever you are in the country.
Intake and Assessment
After you contact a case management agency, a case manager will ask to meet with you in person. This meeting may take place in their office, in your home, or at some other location you choose. During the intake and assessment, your case manager will ask you questions to gather medical information, social information, and any other information that will help them identify any needs. Your case manager may also ask for verification of your HIV diagnosis, income verification, insurance information, a list of current medications, your most current lab reports, a social security card (if available), and photo identification (if available). It usually takes about one hour.
Protecting Your Privacy
During the intake process you will be asked to sign forms allowing the release of information to your case management agency. Your information will not be shared with any individuals outside of the case management office without your signed approval. Forms include:
- Clients Rights and Responsibilities -
This form lists both your rights and your responsibilities as a client of case management services.
- Consent for Release of Information - This form allows health, income, and insurance information to be released to your case management agency or other service providers. This information will not be shared with anyone outside of the case management agency without your signed consent. All information is double-locked for security.
Creating a Care Plan
The Care Plan lists goals agreed upon by you and your case manager. These goals will focus on improving your quality of life. You will create a care plan based on your intake and assessment. You will meet or talk with your case manager at least every 3 months to update your Care Plan. At this time, you will discuss progress that has been made toward achieving your goals. Some examples of typical goals are:
- To access medical services
- To find safe and affordable housing
- To access HIV medications and follow medication schedules and requirements
- To access disability benefits or health insurance
- To develop a financial plan
- To find a system of social support
- To access mental health services
- To access substance abuse services
- To practice safer sex
Connecting to Services
The following may be offered by your case management agency:
- Referrals for medical care, dental care, eye care, counseling, and housing
- Emotional and support services
- Support groups
- Lunch gatherings
- Buddy services>
- Legal assistance>
- Emergency financial assistance
- Needle exchange programs>
- Assistance notifying and optional testing of your sex and/or needle-sharing partners
Emergency Assistance
Your case management agency may be able to offer emergency assistance. Assistance is available for situations brought on as a result of your HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Access to assistance varies from agency to agency, and may include assistance with:
- Lodging or rent
- Necessary utilities (such as electricity, local telephone, water, gas, and heat)
- Prescription medication costs
- Nutritional support
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments
This assistance cannot be used for:
- Car payments or repairs
- Loan payments
- Cable television, music, or online bills
- Moving expenses
- Long-term housing payments or rent
Emergency assistance is limited. Clients should not depend on this assistance. Decisions about the use of emergency assistance will be directed by agency policies and advisory board guidance.
Opportunities for Involvement
- Join the Advisory Board: Case management agencies have advisory boards that you may become involved with. It may be run entirely clients, or case managers and community members may also be involved. There are generally between 10 and 20 members on the board. They usually meet every month or two.
- Try Volunteer Opportunities: Most case management organizations have volunteer opportunities for those who are interested.
Unhappy with Services?
All case management agencies have policies and procedures if a client has a complaint or problem with services. Clients should try to deal directly with their case manager. If the problem persists, clients will be offered the opportunity to meet with others at the agency or the Maine Center for Disease Control.
Confidential Services
Case management services are completely confidential. Information is only released if needed to get services. You must sign a form allowing your case manager to do so. Personal files are kept in locked file cabinets and on secure computers so no one other than your case manager has access to your confidential information.
|
We can help explain any program (such as ADAP, Medicaid, Insurance Plans, Medicare, Medicare Part D, etc.) and assist you to decide what program or programs are options. You can either use the contact information and links on these pages yourself, or we will assist you at any stage in the process. If you don't know where to start, let us know by e-mail, phone or fax and we'll create a strategy with you and any health care or support provider you may already have.
- State and National Resources - Maine specific contact information for different programs through which you can access a variety of services. This page also includes national resources, and links to other sources.
-
Treatment and Care Networks Providers :
Maine has agencies and organizations that can either provide or refer you to a case manager or a health care provider. The participating agencies are listed, as are some other resources.
- Accessing Treatments and other Resources : Maine has a list or formulary of drugs and other services they cover through ADAP and other programs.Other potential sources of treatments for people with HIV or Hepatitis are also listed.
-
Hepatitis Resources : Maine has statewide Hepatitis vaccination programs, and covers some treatments for hepatitis B and Hepatitis C through their program.
Other Care Providers and Resources
In every state there are clinics, doctors and other health care providers who treat people with HIV/AIDS. The HIVMA is a national organization to which many doctors who treat HIV belong. There is no way to determine how much these providers charge for their services, or what types of insurance (some do accept Medicaid, ADAP, etc.) without contacting them directly. If you like, The Network will help you do that. A good resource to search for an HIV experienced doctor yourself you could use the HIV Provider Directory Search (HIVMA). To find a doctor who specializes in Hepatitis treatment use the hepatitis page listed above. Some doctors will treat both dieases. The HIVMA is a good source of doctors for people co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis. If you know of an HIV or a Hepatitis treating doctor or are an HIV or Hepatitis treating doctor, we will place that information in our national database for when clients ask us for a referral.
- Patient
Assistance Programs - Free or reduced price medications are offered by individual drug companies, as well as other organizations and foundations. All prescription drugs, including generic drugs, are made by drug companies. Information includes: Who you should call or e-mail about getting treatments,and financial and medical eligibility criteria. Although they will not automatically cover "the doughnut hole" or co-pays if you have Medicare Part D, some program are willing to make arrangements and even check out any benefits for which you are eligible. If you need help, contact them directly or let us know what drug you are interested in, or if you are trying to contact a specific company, foundation or organization and contact The Network at
network@atdn.org
- Federal
Poverty Guidelines : These guidelines help to determine if
you are eligible for different programs.
- Kaiseredu.org :
Educational resources for students, including people who want to know
about or learn about a specific government sponsored program, or area of interest related to health care programs and policies. They have tutorials you can watch on many subjects,often presented by leading national experts. Many reports on specific topics such as HIV/AIDS, Minority Health Issues, and Medicare Part D. Links to current updates on
policy matters and the latest news related to specific entitlement program or policy issues. This site is part of http://www.kff.org, The Kaiser Family Foundation website.
The Access Project News - We keep track of the efforts of community groups, professional groups, educational resources, and federal and state proposals and laws that could affect how and whether care and treatment can be accessed. Let us know of any changes or proposed changes, and the things going on in your state so The Access Project can inform others and explain how they might affect you. You can follow or add to this information in The Access Project News . Please consider volunteering at your local community-based organization, place of worship, food bank, housing program or other not-for-profit efforts in your area. They need you now more than ever!
|