The Ryan White Care Act
The Ryan White Care Act was first enacted in 1990 to fill gaps in care, treatment and support services for those living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White Program serves as the only health program for non-disabled people living with HIV and AIDS.
The Ryan White Care Act has been reauthorized several times since it was originally enacted—most recently in October 2009. The law is currently set to expire in 2013.
In addition, Ryan White Programs are discretionary—they are subject to the annual appropriations process in Congress.
Despite the passage of the Health Care Reform Act, Ryan White is just as important to those living with HIV/AIDS as it was when it was originally passed. Fully funding Ryan White is an essential step in securing the bridge to 2014.