Case Management

Case Management Services

Contact The Network for help getting drugs or services. Our national toll-free phone number is (800) 734-7104. We'll help explain what your options are and assist you in creating a plan. We'll describe programs like Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, ADAP, Clinical Trials, Patient Assistance Programs and more. Back to The Access Project

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 to two hours.

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

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Connecting to Services
The following may be offered by your case management agency:

Referrals for medical care, dental care
Eye care
Housing or Shelter referrals
Emotional and support services
Support groups or Counseling
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.

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. Your information is only released if it is needed to get you more services. You must sign a form allowing your case manager to do This. 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.

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. Most case management organizations have volunteer opportunities for those who are interested as well.

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.

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.