As of last week, over 1,600 people in 11 states are on waiting lists for admission to their states’ AIDS drug assistance program. ADAPs, funded by both federal and state money, provide HIV/AIDS medications for indigent patients. However, neither Congress nor most state legislatures have allocated enough funding to meet growing demand.
That demand is driven upward by ironically intersecting circumstances. With better treatment, more HIV+ people are surviving longer. HIV/AIDS is increasingly a disease of the poor, especially minorities, so more people need assistance with expensive medications. Meanwhile, drug prices are climbing dramatically. Together, both enrollee numbers and ADAP budgets are climbing to numbing heights.
An estimated $217 million increase in funding is needed for the federal fiscal year 2005 if we are to avoid continuing the ADAP crisis across the US. Over the next several weeks, an important opportunity exists to help secure more adequate support, as the House of Representatives begins the process of determining funding levels for ADAPs and other important HIV/AIDS services for next year.
Concerned citizens – especially HIV+ folks, and their families and friends – can call their elected representatives in Washington and let them know that full funding of the ADAP measure should be a priority as they undertake the appropriations process. Congress can be reached through the toll-free switchboard at 800/839-5276; then ask for your representative’s office. If you don’t know who represents you now that all the redistricting dust has settled, go to www.vote-smart.org. Let’s get this life-sustaining program on solid financial footing!
This article appears in July 2 • 2004.