Alabama to provide in-home care to HIV patients

Under a plan approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Alabama will be able to provide in-home care for up to 150 people with HIV/AIDS beginning later this month. Agency administrator Tom Scully said the waiver will provide coverage for people who would not normally be eligible for Medicaid unless they were in an institution. The plan allows Alabama to provide personal care, respite care, and skilled nursing and companion services for people with HIV/AIDS who have incomes of up to 300% of the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit level. "This waiver will keep people out of nursing homes and in their own homes," Scully said.