For many gay men who have AIDS, they are faced with a double problem: first, once they’ve tested positive, it is nearly impossible to find affordable insurance if they didn’t already have it through an employer, and even if that is the case, difficult once more if they lose it; second, there’s still the problem of finding a gay-friendly health insurance provider.

One great option is the AIDS Health Insurance Program, which is available to those who find themselves straddling the health insurance fence–those who make too much to get Medicaid, but not enough to afford the high prices of high risk insurance.

In order to be eligible for this gay-friendly health insurance program, you have to be unable to get Medicaid, and also have some kind of health insurance when you apply. Short term health insurance is a cheap, one time option you can use if you can make the effort to just insure yourself long enough for the application. However, you can’t just assume you aren’t eligible for Medicaid, even if you look on the Medicaid website for your state and see right there that you make to much–you first have to fill out an application and be denied, so that you can have this proof when you go get your insurance. It’s a hassle, but it’s worth it.