The impact of visa status and Medicare eligibility on people diagnosed with HIV in Western Australia: a qualitative report

Abstract

Background: In Australia, temporary visa holders are ineligible for Medicare and subsidised

Bridging the access gap: Medicare ineligibility in people living with chronic hepatitis B

“…Exploring potential barriers to access is crucial to improving quality of life for those living with CHB. Research regarding this issue of Medicare eligibility and access in relation to HIV treatment has demonstrated considerable anxiety and concern among those affected …”

“…Research regarding this issue of Medicare eligibility and access in relation to HIV treatment has demonstrated considerable anxiety and concern among those affected. 6 In order to explore the extent of this issue, we collected and analysed data from a variety of sources to estimate the number of people living in Australia with CHB who are potentially ineligible for Medicare coverage. Current estimates of the number of people living with CHB 4 are based on a combination of Census data 7 (which includes all residents, regardless of immigration status) and published seroprevalence estimates derived from linkage of notifications data and antenatal testing records, 8 among other sources.…”

The influence of population mobility on changing patterns of HIV acquisition: lessons for and from Australia

“…9 However research by Hermann and colleagues found considerable anxiety regarding nonrenewal or failure of visa applications for permanent residency relating to HIV status. 10 HIV screening of migrants to Australia x should not be a condition of entry, but undertaken to ensure appropriate access to treatment and care. 5,7,8…”

Social Support Networks of People Recently Diagnosed with HIV in Queensland: A Qualitative Exploration

“…MSM who link with 'gayfriendly' health services are achieving relatively high rates of regular HIV testing and earlier diagnosis (Holt, 2017;Power et al, 2016). Greater numbers of late diagnoses occur among more hidden or marginalised populations (Herrmann et al, 2012;The Kirby Institute, 2018). These include MSM who do not identify as gay, people who are disconnected from supports and services due to geographical or social isolation and people who are not eligible for Medicare, Australia's publically funded healthcare system (Blondell, Kitter, Griffin, & Durham, 2015;Burns et al, 2014;Jansson & Wilson, 2012).…”

“…For hidden or marginalised populations, complex social and structural determinants intersect to affect HIV transmission risk, access to testing and engagement with health services (Liau et al, 2013). Structural barriers include economic disadvantage, unstable employment, language barriers, unfamiliarity with health services, Medicare ineligibility, geographical isolation and incarceration (Carman, Grierson, Pitts, Hurley, & Power, 2010;Herrmann et al, 2012;Newman et al, 2007). Social barriers include fear of disclosure of sexual status, reluctance to discuss sexual practices, underestimated notions of HIV risk and a lack of social support (Blondell et al, 2015;Carman et al, 2010;Herrmann et al, 2012;Newman et al, 2007;Sprague & Simon, 2014;Thomas, Aggleton, & Anderson, 2010).…”