Hispanics represent nearly one in five people in the United States, and their experiences with HIV are increasingly shaped by aging. In 2023, Hispanics accounted for 21.3% of new HIV diagnoses among people 55 and older and 20.9% of all people living with HIV (PLWH) aged 55+.
With advances in antiretroviral therapy extending life expectancy, older PLWH now form one of the fastest-growing and most complex subpopulations in the epidemic.
This report provides a systems-level analysis of the demographic, structural, and healthcare challenges shaping the lives of Hispanics aging with HIV, and offers tools, strategies, and policy recommendations to ensure equitable care.
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Key Findings
- Geographic Concentration & Emerging Trends: Over 75% of older Hispanic PLWH live in six jurisdictions—NY, CA, FL, TX, PR, and NJ—yet states like Georgia, Arizona, and Illinois are experiencing rapid growth in cases.
- Complex Health Needs: Older Hispanics with HIV face accelerated and accentuated aging, multiple chronic conditions, and heavy medication burdens, often compounded by fragmented care systems.
- Access Barriers: Medicaid gaps, inadequate insurance coverage, workforce shortages, stigma, and a lack of bilingual and culturally responsive providers hinder adequate care.
- Workforce Shortages: Severe national shortages of behavioral health and geriatric care providers threaten timely access to care, especially for communities of color and immigrants.
- Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RW): RW remains a lifeline for many low-income PWLH but faces flat funding, rising costs, and misalignment between need and resource allocation.
Recommendations
- Secure Adequate Funding: Ensure multi-year funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative and RW, with transparent public reporting.
- Integrate Services: Coordinate HIV, primary, aging, behavioral health, and preventive services into patient-centered models of care.
- Address Workforce Gaps: Invest in training and retaining bilingual, culturally competent, geriatric, and behavioral health professionals.
- Strengthen Infrastructure: Bolster local health systems, especially in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, rural areas, and underserved states.
- Expand Access & Coverage: Pursue Medicaid expansion and affordability reforms while reducing stigma and discrimination in care delivery.
This systems approach emphasizes coordinated action among federal, state, and local governments, healthcare institutions, community providers, and advocates to ensure that Hispanic PLWH can age with dignity, health, and equity.
For more information:
Latino Commission on AIDS Hispanic Health Network
24 West, 25th Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10010
6666 Harwin Dr., Suite 350 Houston, TX 77036