Unfortunately, a crisis in treatment access is shadowing the positive news. In addition, data indicate that viral load tests should be an essential tool for making informed treatment decisions. It is expected that viral load testing may be indicated quarterly or perhaps even more frequently for people with high or steadily increasing viral load and should be considered in the cost of an effective treatment strategy. While costs for HIV treatments rise, the federal government's balanced budget debate is driving an attempt to cut funding for programs. Rather than advocating responsible program reform, some politicians are grasping for quick cuts to demonstrate their commitment to balancing the budget and gain votes in the upcoming election year.
Private insurers are concerned about their shareholders' profits and their bottom line.
They are, in turn, shifting cost and risk to the consumer and the physician. Health care delivery is rapidly changing, primarily driven by market forces rather than by sound health care decisions. Due to lack of regulation in health care delivery, it is often difficult to figure out what is available and how to access it. Until there is a will to enact comprehensive health care reform, the system will continue to be fractured and inadequate. The best weapon an individual has in this system is information.