Ryan White Part B Program Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Ryan White Part B Program?

Answer: The Ryan White Part B HIV/AIDS Program helps people with HIV/AIDS who have nowhere else to turn for the care they need. If you are HIV-positive, you may qualify for assistance with medical care and some other services — even if you do not have health insurance or money to pay for health and dental services and medications. 

In Arkansas, the Part B Program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Health, which subcontracts with ARcare and Jefferson Comprehensive Care (Pine Bluff Area) for intake processing and case management services.

Q: Am I Eligible?

Answer: To be eligible to receive health and dental care, medications, and other health-related services through the Ryan White Part B HIV/AIDS Program, you must

The Ryan White Part B HIV/AIDS Program is a U.S. Government program that provides funds to State agencies that in turn provide doctor's care, HIV/AIDS medications and many other services to people who do not have health insurance or funds to pay for the HIV care they need. Ryan White funds cannot be provided directly to individuals.

Q: How Do I Start Getting Care?

Answer:  When you contact our nearest office to you (see OFFICE LOCATIONS), we will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork for application to determine if you are eligible for Ryan White Part B services. The Service Access Specialist (case manager) in the office will sit down with you and ask about your medical and other needs. Arkansas Department of Health will help determine what you are eligible for based upon your health condition, income and resources.

The Service Access Specialists know what services are available and can help you get care.  Their services are free.

Q. What do I need to bring to my initial intake appointment with the Service Access Specialist? 

Answer:  In order to process your application to get you approved for Part B Services and HIV Medications through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), you will need to bring the following items to your intake appointment:

• Proof of HIV status (HIV test or Viral Load) 
• Proof of Residency (AR drivers license or ID, utility bills with your name on it, lease agreement with your name on it, or a collateral statement) 
• Proof of Income(Most recent consecutive pay stubs within the last 30 days, letter from employer stating gross monthly pay and how often you are paid, Tax Return or W-2, Retirement benefits, Social Security checks, Unemployment benefits, proof of no income with Declaration of Resources form)  
• Insurance Cards
• Medicaid Denial Letter (must apply for Medicaid and be denied)
• Picture ID
• Social Security Card
• Copy of HIV laboratory results in the last 6 months

Eligibility approval is determined by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) from the information provided and submitted to ADH.  ARcare does not approve or deny applications.  We only submit your application to ADH for approval. 

Q: How Do I Pay for Care?

Answer:  What you pay for your health care mostly depends on whether you have your own health insurance and how much income and resources you have. If you do not have health insurance and have a very low income, you may not have to pay very much for the care you need.

In some cases, however, you may have to pay for some of the costs. For example, you may have to pay a certain amount for each prescription drug or for each doctor's visit. Your Service Access Specialist can help you 

• learn what services you are eligible to receive, 
• apply for health care assistance, and 
• find out whether you have to cover any of the costs.

Q: How Do I Learn More About Getting Health Care?

Answer:  If you do not have an HIV physician or provider, your Service Access Specialist will provide you a list of HIV physicians in your area who are contracted with the Arkansas Department of Health.  You will also be provided a list of contracted dentists and mental health providers if needed.  Your Service Access Specialist will direct you to the care and services you are needing, some of which can be paid for by the Part B Program if you are approved.

Q. What other services will I be able to receive through the Part B Program?

Answer:  All services provided are based on a needs assessment which will determine eligibility.  Services are also provided based on funding available.

• Non-medical Case Management with your Service Access Specialist (SAS) 
• Medical Case Management with a Registered Nurse (MCM)
• Access to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
• Medication Assistance Program for HIV formulary medications from the pharmaceutical companies
• Nutritional counseling with a Registered Dietitian, including supplement products (Ensure, Boost, etc)
• Referral to Part B contracted Mental Health and Substance Abuse counselors
• Referral to Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS/HIV
• HIV Education and Risk Reduction
• Gas Vouchers for approved HIV related visits
• Food Vouchers for grocery assistance
• Support Groups