Institute for Latinx Hispanic Health Equity

Report warns U.S. Health Systems are unprepared for aging Hispanics living with HIV

Houston, TX — The Institute for Latine Health Equity (ILHE), Latino Commission on AIDS, and Hispanic Health Network today released a landmark report, Addressing HIV and Aging Among U.S. Hispanics: A Systems Approach, urging immediate reforms to strengthen U.S. health systems for an aging Hispanic population living with HIV.

In 2023, Hispanics accounted for 21.3% of new HIV diagnoses among people 55+ and nearly one in five (20.9%) of all older people living with HIV (PLWH) nationwide. With advances in treatment extending life expectancy, but not necessarily healthier, the first large cohort of older Hispanic PLWH now faces accelerated and accentuated aging, multimorbidity, and fragmented systems of care.

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Key Policy Findings

Geographic Concentration & Growth: Over 75% of older Hispanic PLWH live in six states/territories (NY, CA, FL, TX, PR, NJ), while states with emerging Hispanic populations (GA, AZ, IL) face rising diagnoses.
Funding Gaps: The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, despite being essential for many low-income PLWH, faces flat funding, rising costs, and coverage gaps — jeopardizing sustainability.
Workforce Shortages: A national shortage of geriatric and behavioral health providers is projected to worsen over the next decade, threatening timely access to care.
Coverage Inequities: Ten states with large Hispanic populations, including Florida and Texas, have yet to expand Medicaid, leaving thousands without affordable access.

Recommendations

Secure Multi-Year Federal Funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative and Ryan White programs.
Integrate HIV, Primary, Behavioral, and Geriatric Care into patient-centered models.
Invest in Workforce Development, prioritizing bilingual and culturally competent providers.
Expand Coverage through Medicaid and affordability reforms, ensuring equity in access.