F.A.Q

Part A (previously Title I) funds go directly to the urban areas hardest hit by HIV/AIDS. Provides assistance to Eligible Metropolitan Areas (EMAs) and Transitional Grant Areas (TGAs)—locales that are most severely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Learn more...
Ryan White Part A services are for people living with HIV/AIDS who are low income and uninsured or underinsured. Programs or agencies may have additional eligibility criteria, such as disability. Services are prioritized for those with the most severe needs, such as those who are homeless or who have multiple diagnoses.

The following documentation will be required in order to receive Ryan White Part A services:
  • Proof of HIV Positive Status
  • Documentation of residency and household size
  • Proof of income eligibility which is set at <500% of FPL for the Newark EMA
All three require specific documentation that will be maintained in the offices of the provider agency. It is important for  the consumer to maintain copies of these documents as well. 
Ryan White funds pay for primary medical care, dental care, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, case management, and dental health services. In addition, 25% of total funds can be used for support services that help people get into medical care or stay in care such as housing assistance. It also pays for Planning Council staff and activities such as needs assessment, evaluation, comprehensive planning and grant administration. The funds are distributed to community-based organizations, public health programs, community health clinics, and hospitals. See a full list of providers and services covered.
Yes. The Federal government has a number of restrictions on funding. The money cannot be spent on capital improvements or construction. It cannot pay for permanent housing services. It must be used as the payer of last resort, meaning that if a service can be paid for somewhere else, such as billed to Medicaid, it cannot be paid for by Ryan White Part A. Money also cannot be given directly to consumers. The ability to use funds for counseling and testing or prevention services is limited.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administers the programs on the federal level. They are a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The City of Newark Ryan White Office (also known as the Grantee or Recipient) provides day-to-day administration on the local level.
The Newark EMA HIV Health Services Planning Council is a community planning group that oversees the prioritization and allocation of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act (RWTMA) Part A funds. It is also called the Planning Council or Ryan White Council.

The Ryan White Part A funds pay for medical and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS who are low income and uninsured or underinsured. The funds are distributed to community-based organizations, public health programs, community health clinics, and hospitals.

The Council has several major duties, including:

  1. Determining the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, especially those not in care
  2. Setting priorities for the allocation of funds
  3. Developing a comprehensive plan for the organization and delivery of health services
  4. Assessing the efficiency of the grant administration and the effectiveness of services
  5. Defining Standards of Care for services provided to people living with HIV/AIDS; and 
  6. assessing the efficiency of the grant administration
The Council has a mandate to focus on people who are not in care (i.e. not receiving medical care) by assessing their needs and developing programs to bring them into care.
The NEMA Planning Council and the committees ensure fairness by following Robert's Rules of Order when taking part in the meetings. For more information on Robert's Rules of Order, please visit the following link for a comprehensive overview on the process: Robert's Rules of Order.
The Planning Council has a website, www.nemaplanningcouncil.com which includes upcoming Council meeting times and agendas, locations, and minutes from full Council and committee meetings. It links to documents such as the Comprehensive Plan and other useful Council information.
Members of the Council represent the broad range of people involved in the fight against AIDS in the Newark EMA area including people living with HIV/AIDS, service providers, public health officials, and community members.

Federal legislation requires that at least one third of the Council members be unaffiliated consumers receiving Ryan White Part services and that they reflect the demographics of the HIV epidemic in the Newark Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA). Planning Council members must also live or work within the Newark EMA, which includes five counties in New Jersey (Essex, Union, Morris, Warren and Sussex).
The Planning Council needs various perspectives to make the best decisions for services in the Newark EMA.
Those who live with HIV or AIDS, either through their own experience or that of a loved one, bring their lived experience. Meanwhile, professionals who have cared for patients or clients who are HIV positive have their own kind of expertise. Both perspectives would be valuable to the Planning Council.

The time commitment to the Planning Council is usually ten meetings per year, usually the third Wednesday of the
month, from 1 to 3 pm. Members of the Council are also required to attend a least one sub-committee meeting per month. The Planning Council website lists the various subcommittee descriptions and respective meeting dates.