There is no place in today’s world for disability discrimination. Even though every organization is well aware that it should not be taking part in this activity, it remains a big problem.
The National Health Law Program and The AIDS Institute have filed a complaint alleging that several Florida insurance companies have violated the Affordable Care Act by structuring insurance policies to discourage people with AIDS and HIV from making a purchase.
In the complaint, both organizations state that four insurance providers offering plans to Florida residents required these patients to pay a percentage of their drugs as opposed to a flat co-pay that is offered to others.
According to the complaint, instead of a $10 co-pay, those with AIDS or HIV have to pay as much as 50 percent of their drug, which can often reach thousands of dollars due to the cost.
A spokesperson for The AIDS Institute said that CoventryOne is one of the insurance companies breaking the law, noting that patients have to pay 40 percent for the cost of HIV drugs. “That would be about $1,000 per month per drug in most instances. What patient could afford that?”
This type of disability discrimination is not always brought to light, but it goes a long way in showing how some people are being treated because of a particular disease. In this case, patients with HIV or AIDS may find it difficult to purchase the medication they need for treatment, due to an unfair structure set in place by many well known Florida insurance companies.
Source: ABC News, “Complaint accuses 4 Fla insurers of discrimination” Kelli Kennedy, Associated Press, May. 29, 2014
