The Oral Health Referral Program is part of a grant agreement between the District of Columbia Department of Health and AIDS Healthcare Foundation Inc. to provide a range of HIV/AIDS-related services—including oral health, case management, and support services—to eligible residents, funded under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009
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The agreement outlines the scope of services, funding allocations, compliance requirements, and administrative processes for the project period from June 1, 2025, to February 29, 2028.

Grantee: AIDS Healthcare Foundation Inc.

Grantor: District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health), specifically through HAHSTA (HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration).

Program Purpose: To provide a range of HIV/AIDS-related services in the District of Columbia, funded under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 (Ryan White Part A) including Oral Health.

Scope of Services: The grantee (AIDS Healthcare Foundation Inc.) is required to provide oral health services as defined in the approved application and work plan. These services are targeted to eligible clients. The specific activities, targets, and requirements for dental services are detailed in the grantee's approved application and annual work plan, which are incorporated by reference into the grant agreement.

Spending and Compliance: The grantee must not exceed the allocated budget for oral health services unless a written request for deviation is submitted and approved by the grant administrator. All services must comply with federal and local statutes, regulations, and DC Health policies, including anti-discrimination, accessibility, and reporting requirements.

Oversight: DC Health may set additional conditions for the start or continuation of services and may withhold payments or issue stop-work orders if the grantee is non-compliant. The grantee must submit regular reports and cooperate with DC Health oversight

Proof of HIV Status: Lab report showing a positive HIV viral load, Western Blot, or a signed medical diagnosis form from a licensed Physician

Proof of Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail showing you live within the state or county service area (unhoused individuals can submit a letter from a shelter or caseworker.

Proof of Income: Recent Pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, or a notarized letter of support showing your household income falls below the local limit.

Income limits in District of Columbia: Your income cannot exceed the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Percentage of 500% $79,800.

For Existing Patients of AHF Healthcare Centers(K Street or Capitol Hill Clinics)

If you already uses the AHF K Street Clinic or the AHF Capitol Hill healthcare Centers for your primary care, getting a referral to an approved dental provider follows an organized, in-house pipeline:

Ask your AHF Primary Care Provider (PCP): During a regular medical check-up, talk to your PCP about a referral for Oral Health. Because oral health directly affects the immune system, you PCP will document the clinical need and submit a formal referral voucher request. Patients cannot self-refer.

Let Case Management Handle Authorizations: The on-site AHF medical case management team reviews the request against active DC Health Ryan White service guidelines. They verify the covered services and procedure caps before the appointment is booked.

Go to an Approved Dental Partner: Once approved, the patient is linked directly to a participating oral health specialist within the DC Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA) network. The authorized specialist will handle everything from cleanings and X-rays to fillings and extractions.

Keep the 6-Month Recertification Active: Dental coverage is directly tied to your Electronic Medical Record (ERM or Chart). You must complete your routine eligibility recertification update with your AHF case manager every 6 months to ensure your dental care does not get paused.

If you are not a patient of AHF K Street or Capitol Hill Healthcare Centers but you live in the District, you can still access the Ryan White funded oral health network by taking these steps:

Start with Centralized Intake: First complete your baseline enrollment with the D.C. regional Ryan White program. This is typically initiated through DC Health, an approved community intake hub, or a local medical case management agency.

Provide the 4 Core Documents: To clear the regional eligibility check, you will meet with an intake worker and must provide physical or digital proof of four things

HIV Status: An official lab report or medical document confirming a positive diagnosis.

Identity: A valid government photo ID.

Residency: A utility bill, rental lease, or official mail showing a physical address within the District or the designated EMA boundary.

Income: Pay stubs, tax records, or public benefit award letters proving low-to-moderate household income.
Select a Primary Medical Home (Healthcare Center): Once the paperwork is approved, you can be linked to an approved HIV primary care provider and enroll at either of the AHF Healthcare Centers in the District (K Street or Capitol Hill) or choose another partner clinic in the city.