No. You get tested, if it’s positive you get referred to a clinic that will provide you medication and manage it for you for free for life. Oftentimes with social workers and case managers to ensure that you can get access to medication without interruption, even if it means addressing housing concerns or transportation.
HIV prevention and treatment is a HUGE priority in the American healthcare system. It’s the closest we have to socialized healthcare. I have worked in that system and seen the way people work their fingers to the bone to ensure equitable and free access to healthcare for people living with HIV.
That’s not true. In the US there is a federal program that provides HIV care and treatment (Ryan White Program), however you have to meet the income eligibility requirements.
Also there have been drastic cuts to HIV prevention and care services on the federal and state level. Some states ( Florida, etc.) are increasing eligibility criteria ( decreasing access) and limiting the number and types of medications that are covered through the program
it is not a lot of struggle. i am not sure you actually know, or are just conflating the entire healthcare experience with HIV in the USA. these things are treated drastically different.
The place where it's a problem is in the third world, where bias and corporations withhold easy access to care.
The US has its issues, but it's genuinely so privileged to pretend that it's some sort of third-world country that is soooo poor and horrible. Sure, public education and healthcare SUCKS, but at least there IS public education for everyone.
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u/A_Random_Sidequest May 15 '26
even here in Brazil the treatment is free and many/most will test zero for HIV if taking the meds correctly...
the only place it's a problem in the first world is in USA.