CHANGES IN INSURANCE STATUS AND ACCESS TO CARE FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS IN THE BOSTON HEALTH STUDY

The purpose of this study was to measure unmet needs and changes in in surance status for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AI DS). Thirty-six percent of the study's Boston-area respondents (n = 30 5) had a change in insurance coverage between AIDS diagnosis and inter view. Medicaid coverage increased from 14% to 41%. Pneumocystis carini i pneumonia prophylaxis was nearly universal. Only 5% did not receive zidovudine, and intravenous drug users were at higher risk. Approximat ely 14% to 15% of patients reported problems in obtaining medical and dental services; Blacks, homeless persons, and those who were not high school graduates were at higher risk. Use of selected treatments for which there were clear clinical guidelines was adequate, yet disadvant aged groups were more likely than other persons with AIDS to face obst acles to other services.