AIDS care cost staggering

The Sunday, May 23, Parade magazine article about AIDS in 2010 is good news for those with HIV.

The 23-year-old Erik H. featured in the article can now expect to survive to age 70 or even beyond. But, at what price?

Bruce R. Shackman, Ph.D., is quoted in a Web MD report in the November issue of Medical Care. The numbers are staggering.

For those under a doctor’s care whose treatment begins when most effective: “… the average monthly cost is about $2,100.” However, “treatment started at a late stage averages $4,700 per month.”

Using Erik H. as an example, if he lives to age 70, the cost at $2,100 per month will be $1,184,400. If his treatment starts late in the disease, the monthly cost of $4,700 would total $2,650,800.

The Parade article tells us that about 56,000 new cases of AIDS occur each year. Those who are part of the 56,000 no longer need fear a death sentence from the disease. However, the 300 million-plus who avoid such STDs will end up paying for treatment for those who, through careless sexual activities, contract the diseases.

Bob Launhardt

Pinehurst