17 states consider cutting assistance for HIV meds as prices increase - LGBTQ Nation

"Federal funding for ADAPs has remained relatively unchanged over the last decade, while client enrollment and healthcare costs, including prescription drug, insurance premium, and cost-sharing expenditures, have continued to increase. According to nonprofit health policy research group KFF, congressionally allocated funding for ADAPs has not kept pace with inflation, even before accounting for enrollment growth and increased costs."

"Effectively, programs are being asked to do more with less federal funding. That has led to 10 state ADAPs reporting budget deficits for the current fiscal year, while 19 ADAPs expect to face deficits in the upcoming fiscal year, according to NASTAD."

"Since 1996, federally funded ADAPs have helped low-income, uninsured, and underinsured people afford HIV and AIDS medication, primarily through federal grants via the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990. But as NASTAD's report notes, the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits for the purchase of insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces is another key factor driving up costs for ADAPs."

States are implementing cost-cutting measures for AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) that provide life-saving HIV medications to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals. Seventeen states and D.C. have already taken action, with five others considering similar cuts. Federal ADAP funding has remained relatively unchanged over the past decade despite rising client enrollment and healthcare costs. The expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act has further strained program budgets. Ten state ADAPs currently report budget deficits, while nineteen expect deficits in the upcoming fiscal year. Experts warn these measures will create economic and public health crises by limiting access to essential medications.

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