Medical care costs of patients with AIDS in Hawaii.

A study of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Hawaii indicates the presence of an estimated 334 patients, 49 (14.7) of them females, between 1985 and mid-1988. Regression analysis yielded an expected count of 1200 patients by 1991, with a total cost of $50 million for care. The cost per patient was $37,053. These findings suggest that the cost of AIDS may not be as high as previously thought and that Hawaii has a relatively small share of the epidemic. An investigation of the reasons for termination of health insurance suggests that many AIDS patients resort to Medicaid for subsequent coverage. Almost half of the patients who terminated their health care coverage expired within 3 months of diagnosis. Inpatient data were obtained and compared in cities and overall nationally. These findings and their implications are discussed.