Finding out that you or someone you love has been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be scary, particularly if the person needing treatment lacks legal immigration status. You may end up wondering whether you or your loved one could get deported by seeking medical care.

However, there are good resources that allow people across the United States to get care for HIV-related matters, regardless of their documentation status. The resources may vary by state, but you or your loved one should be able to get the HIV care you need.

1. Find Out What Your State Offers

Some states have more resources for people without legal immigration status than others do. The Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent group that tracks health care and medical coverage news, keeps a relatively up-to-date resource noting health care options for individuals with undocumented status. For instance, if you live in New York City, you should be able to get HIV care regardless of your immigration status.

Additionally, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) works with state, city, and local organizations in the U.S. to provide medications to low-income people living with HIV who have limited or no health insurance. ADAP also provides grants to people who are eligible to purchase health insurance. You can use the ADAP Directory to find resources in your state or territory.

If you want to do more in-depth searching for resources in your state, the internet is a great place to start. If you’re concerned about being tracked, use a browser option that does not transmit your details, and search for health care options in your state. You may want to focus your search on HIV treatment options in the same area.

2. Apply for Nonprofit Help

If your state doesn’t offer coverage that you or your loved one can use, nonprofits may be able to help. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program offers coverage to eligible individuals who are HIV-positive and need HIV treatment — including those with undocumented status. This includes medications through ADAP. Eligibility depends on factors including income.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDs Program includes medical care services related to HIV and mental health treatment. It also provides eligible individuals with housing assistance, dental care, and more. Reach out to a Ryan White provider near you, and they will start the process of connecting you to the program.

You will likely be assigned a case manager. This person will help connect you with the care you need and will make sure you get to take advantage of all of the resources the program offers. They will ensure that you have access to your medications and can help you follow through with taking them consistently. If you need additional financial help, they will connect you to that, as well.

Other nonprofits may be able to help you, too. Some of these will be local, and you can find them by running searches online that focus on your city or town. Others, like Good Days, may provide coverage for specific treatments or aspects of your care, though you will need to check their eligibility criteria and go through their application process first.

3. Get Care at a Local Health Center

You might have success finding a local health center that provides HIV care on site, including HIV testing, HIV prevention, and other health care services. These public health centers are designed to serve everyone, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay. Note that they may need to refer you to a specialist for HIV care. They are also likely to have people on staff who can help you get connected to the programs — such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDs Program — to help cover treatment costs.

These health and support service centers are designed to help people who need it, including people with undocumented status. They are also likely to have providers who speak a variety of languages beyond English.

4. Get Help From a Pharmaceutical Company

The pharmaceutical companies that offer HIV drugs know that their medications are expensive. That’s why many offer programs to help people pay for them. You can use these regardless of your immigration status. Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are most likely to be helpful to people with undocumented status.

Patient assistance programs help people who have low income but do not qualify for any kind of private or federal insurance. You can find more information about different PAPs — including how to apply— via HIV.gov under the section “Non-Federal Resources To Help Pay for HIV Medication.”

Note that every available program has different qualification requirements. They also have different ways to apply. If you’re working with a local health center or a Ryan White caseworker, they should be able to help you get the information you need and may even aid you in submitting your paperwork.

5. Apply for Emergency Medicaid

If HIV is causing a medical emergency, you are eligible for emergency Medicaid coverage. Note that this will cover you only in emergency situations. Although HIV does present a threat to your health, quality of life, and well-being, coverage for standard health care provider appointments and treatments is not included through emergency Medicaid. You can only get this coverage if you go to an emergency room and you need immediate treatment because your life is threatened.

Many people in the U.S. without legal immigration are hesitant to go to hospitals or give any information to the federal government, including what is necessary to get Medicaid coverage. However, accessing this coverage is legal for people who aren’t U.S. citizens, under federal law, so doing so should be safe.

If you are concerned about the implications of applying for or using this coverage, find an immigration lawyer you trust and work with them to get the legal help you need. The Legal Services Corporation can connect you with legal aid options in your area.

Talk With Others Who Understand

At myHIVteam, you’ll find a social network for people with HIV and their loved ones. On myHIVteam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HIV.

Are you wondering how to get treatment for someone living with HIV who has undocumented status? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.