Section 692.5  Definitions

"CD4 count" means the measurement of the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood, which tells how strong the immune system is and indicates the stage of HIV disease.

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Public Health.

"Extra Help Program" means a federal program that assists very low income (less than $1,000/month) Medicare Part D eligible individuals with their prescription drug coverage. The program pays Medicare Part D premiums and all copayments except $2 and $3 on generic and brand, respectively. The program was established by the  Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).

"Illinois Cares Rx" means a State program that provides prescription drug assistance to low-income senior citizens and disabled persons, obtainable through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).

"Medicaid" means the State-managed program under the federal Social Security Act (42 USC 1396) that pays medical care expenses for low-income individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS.

"Medicare" means the federal program under the Social Security Act (42 USC 1395) that pays for certain health care expenses for people age 65 or older. Enrolled individuals must pay deductibles and co-payments. 

"Prescription insurance" means insurance paid for or provided by an employer, family member or the applicant that covers prescription medications.

"Viral load" means a measurement of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a sample of blood or other body fluids. 

(Source:  Added at 36 Ill. Reg. 3909, effective February 22, 2012)