Ryan White Program

Purpose:

The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act is Federal legislation that addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV disease (PLWH) by funding primary health care and support services that enhance access to and retention in care. First enacted by Congress in 1990, it was amended and reauthorized in 1996 and again in 2000. The CARE Act reaches over 500,000 individuals each year, making it the Federal Government's largest program specifically for people living with HIV disease.

Like many health problems, HIV disease disproportionately strikes people in poverty, racial/ethnic populations, and others who are underserved by healthcare and prevention systems. HIV often leads to poverty due to costly healthcare or an inability to work that is often accompanied by a loss of employer-related health insurance. CARE Act-funded programs are the "payer of last resort."

The goal for all HRSA programs is to assure access to high quality health care and reduce disparities in health outcomes for recipients of services in HRSA funded programs.  The result is that all persons who need care have equal access to high quality health care, regardless of the payment source. CARE Act services are intended to reduce the use of more costly inpatient care, increase access to care for underserved populations, and improve the quality of life for those affected by the epidemic. The CARE Act works toward these goals by funding local and State programs that provide primary medical care and support services; healthcare provider training; and technical assistance to help funded programs address implementation and emerging HIV care issues.