HIV Case Management Program

HIV Case management agencies are located throughout Ohio, providing coverage for every county in the state. Case managers who are trained to help people living with HIV or AIDS can help find the medical treatment and programs they need. A case manager who is familiar with the community can help find doctors, housing, support groups or transportation for people who need these services. There is no fee for their help. A case manager can also determine eligibility for Ryan White Emergency Financial Assistance.  Case managers must be licensed social workers and adhere to the HIV CARE Services’ Standards of Care.

The purpose of the Ryan White Emergency Financial Assistance (RWEA) Program is to assist individuals who are HIV positive and have an emergency need that is HIV related. The program is one of last resort.  Services that may be covered include medical services, dental services, rehabilitation, transportation, housing, nutrition and family services.

Please refer to the Quality Management Web page for additional information regarding Case Management Outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is the purpose of the RWEA Program?

The purpose of this program is to assist individuals who are HIV positive and have an emergency based need that is HIV related.  The program is one of last resort.

2.  What are the eligibility requirements for the RWEA program?

• Ohio resident
• Verification of HIV-positive status
• Income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level

3.  Do you need to have a case manager in order to get RWEA?

Yes.  In order to receive assistance, an individual must have an HIV case manager from an ODH- approved agency. The case manager will assess the client's needs, identify alternative resources to use and look at long-term solutions before it is decided the RWEA program is appropriate.

4.  How do I find a case manager?

Attached is a list of ODH-approved agencies that provide case management services for the RWEA program.

5.  Do you have to go to a case manager in your county (area)?

An individual has the choice to receive case management services from any ODH-approved agency.

6.  What are some of the services covered by the RWEA program?

• Physician visits
• Diagnostics: T-cell counts, viral load
• HIV-related lab work
• Emergency drug prescriptions not covered by the Ohio Drug Assistance Program
• Food vouchers and oral nutritional supplements
• Dental
• Rehabilitation: physical therapy, speech therapy, adaptive equipment
• Adult day care
• Health insurance premiums (one time per year)
• Housing: current rent, deposits, moving expenses (one time per year)
• Transportation: cab voucher, bus ticket, gas voucher
• Legal aid
• Mental health counseling (through a licensed practitioner)
• Substance abuse treatment
• Nutrition: food voucher, oral nutritional supplements, baby formula
• Utility bills
• Child care
• Diapers, supplies, incontincence pads
• Bereavement services (not available for uninfected family members; cannot be used for funeral, burial, cremation or related expenses)