JSI conducted an evaluation of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) eligibility requirements, focusing on six-month recertification and rapid eligibility determination. The purpose of the evaluation was to gather information and feedback from RWHAP recipients and subrecipients to inform efforts led by the Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau (HRSA HAB) to reassess requirements for eligibility determination and recertification, and develop related training and technical assistance.
Data collection occurred from January through September 2020 via three technical expert panels and nine follow-up interviews, engaging a total of 30 recipients across RWHAP Parts A through D. Key areas of inquiry included the impact of policies and procedures on ensuring payor of last resort; access to services and health outcomes; and burden on recipients, subrecipients, providers, and clients. The evaluation captured initial findings about the impact of COVID-19 on eligibility determination and recertification policies and procedures. Additionally, it took place during the first year of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative and captured early insights on how the initiative may impact eligibility determination practices.
Findings from the evaluation were documented in a white paper prepared for HRSA HAB. The findings helped to inform the development of Policy Clarification Notice (PCN) 21-02, Determining Client Eligibility and Ensuring Payor of Last Resort in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which was released in 2021.
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