QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DC HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE

What is the DC Healthcare Alliance?
The DC Healthcare Alliance is a new insurance program that offers access to health care for thousands of uninsured DC residents. Through a partnership with the DC Department of Health, private and not-for-profit health clinics will offer access to health care services such as inpatient hospital care, outpatient medical care (including preventive care), emergency services, urgent care services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, home health care, dental services, specialty care, and wellness programs that include mother and baby care.

Is Whitman-Walker Clinic participating?
Whitman-Walker Clinic will become a "provider" in the Alliance, very much like a primary care provider in a consumer health insurance plan. It means that we will be able to expand our health care services to primary care for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in Washington, D.C. We'll also be able to provide access to expanded pharmacy coverage, subspecialty and hospital care to HIV-infected clients through referrals to other health care providers who are part of the Alliance.

What does Alliance Healthcare cost?
Alliance Healthcare is free to those who meet the eligibility requirements.

Who can become a member of the Alliance?
Residents of the District of Columbia who are uninsured, not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, and whose yearly earnings are at or below the amount determined by the Alliance (200% of Federal Poverty Level):

Are residents of Virginia or Maryland eligible to participate?
No. The Alliance plan is open only to residents of the District of Columbia.

But I am already a client of the Clinic. How does this affect me?
If you are already a client of the Clinic and meet the eligibility requirements, you should still enroll. The program is free and offers you expanded access to medications, hospitalization, and other health services. You will still receive the same quality care you always have at Whitman-Walker Clinic.

Will I still see the same doctor I always have?
Yes. The only thing that will change if you enroll is that you'll have more health care services available to you if you require them.

How long am I covered under this program?
Once you enroll, you are covered for the first 30 days. Once the Alliance certifies that you are eligible, you will have to re-enroll every six months. The Clinic will send Alliance participants a reminder 30 days before their six months of eligibility expires to ensure continuous coverage while you remain eligible.

What health care benefits does the Alliance provide its members?

* Indicates services provided at Whitman-Walker Clinic

What about Pharmacy services?
Alliance members can receive pharmacy services only at Alliance pharmacies. At this time, Whitman-Walker Clinic is NOT a designated Alliance pharmacy. All current Clinic clients will continue to receive pharmacy services under their current arrangements. If you receive care under the Alliance plan, however, you may have to go to an Alliance pharmacy to pick up your medications.

What services are NOT covered by the Alliance?
Most significantly, mental health and addiction treatment services are not covered by the Alliance. Whitman-Walker Clinic will also not offer dental services under the plan. There are other exclusions as well. These exclusions are discussed in detail in the Member Handbook.

When can I see a health care provider?
For Alliance members, Whitman-Walker will offer appointments for primary medical services during normally scheduled Clinic hours:

The Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center

The Max Robinson Center

Health care services through the Alliance at Whitman-Walker Clinic is limited based on our capacity to provide quality care. If a member requires specialty care that is not offered here, we can refer them to another Alliance Healthcare provider.

I am HIV-positive. Can I still enroll and get health care under the Alliance program?
Yes. In fact, you'll have access to even more health services including specialists and hospitalization. You may also have access to non-HIV medications not covered by the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).