BARRIER 3 OF 3 · Cost & Insurance

Hitting Roadblocks To Starting HIV Treatment? Here’s Where To Turn

You Shouldn’t Have To Fight This Hard Just To Start Treatment

Insurance denials, program delays, and coverage gaps keep some myHIVteam members from getting the medication they need. Here’s what members experienced and where to look for help paying for HIV medication.

Key Statistics

of myHIVteam discussions in which members miss or stop treatment identify cost, insurance, or access as the main reason, making it the single largest factor.

of adults with diagnosed HIV reported money or health insurance as a barrier to HIV care in 2024.

people nationwide relied on AIDS Drug Assistance Programs in 2024, representing nearly 1 in 4 people living with diagnosed HIV.

*Sources: myHIVteam Non-Adherence & Treatment Avoidance Report (893 member UGC records, Jan. 2025–July 2026); myHIVteam community UGC; CDC Medical Monitoring Project, 2024; NASTAD 2026 RWHAP Part B and ADAP Monitoring Report, using 2024 data.

Start Here

Can’t Get or Afford Your HIV Medication? What To Do Next

Key people, like healthcare providers, case managers, pharmacists, and more, can help you get the medications you need.

⚖️ Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Cueto, M.D.

Stories From Our Members

My HIV medication was not covered anymore by insurance, so I had to switch medicines. I got emergency samples from my doctor, tried to get help through Ryan White and the manufacturer, and had to get an advocate through a third party. I had to give all my information, including bank statements, but it went through and I got my new medicine fully covered.”

— A myHIVteam member

I finally received my meds last week after waiting for a prior authorization and for it to come off back order. The first day I got them and went to sleep that night, I felt great.”

— A myHIVteam member

I’ve been without my HIV medication for a week. I lost my insurance and have no money.”

After another member suggested contacting an HIV clinic and asking about programs such as the National Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, they followed up: “That’s what I did, and they helped me. I have my medication now.”

— A myHIVteam member