Case management services are provided under the authority of the Patient Care Programs administered by the Florida Department of Health and have been developed to facilitate the following:

• Early access to health care and available social services
• Integration of services
• Continuity of care
• HIV disease education
• Reinforcement of positive outcomes
• Personal empowerment
• Improved quality of life

Case managers will enroll HIV+ persons who meet eligibility requirements for the Ryan White program. The various available programs will be explained and assistance provided for clients to help them make informed decisions based on their needs, abilities, resources and preferences.

Case management is the link clients need to access appropriate HIV/AIDS medical and support services that range from medical, dental, lab, housing and other support services. Case managers work with patients to develop individualized plans of care to address patient needs. Specific Ryan White Patient Care Programs that may be accessed include the following:

• Ryan White Part B Program (medical, dental, mental health services, Rx co-pay assistance)
• AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) - currently implemented through the Sarasota County Health Department
• AIDS Insurance Continuation Program (AICP)
• State Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA)

Case managers can assist patients to apply for other federal and state programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, Project AIDS Care and transportation services. Referrals are made to agencies where patients can find food pantries, clothing, financial and housing assistance and substance abuse and domestic violence services. Case managers also assist patients to obtain their medications through drug company- and pharmacy-sponsored patient assistance programs. We also have relationships with local and mail order pharmacies that might be able to help with medications and co-pays.