Ron DeSantis will have 'blood on his hands' if HIV funding isn't restored, Democratic chair says

"Tens of thousands of Floridians are facing a life or death scenario as Ron DeSantis' administration revokes funding for HIV medication. The Florida Department of Health has gutted the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) after supposedly failing to find $120 million in the state budget to cover the cost. The program provides assistance to low-income people living with HIV, meaning that over 10,000 people could lose access to life-saving medication if funding isn't restored."

"Now, due to "rising health care insurance premiums nationwide," the FDOH announced on its website updates to the ADAP, including restrictions on who qualifies for the program. As of 2025, the ADAP covered those making up to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($62,600 or less). This year, it will only cover those making up to 130 percent of the poverty level ($20,345), impacting over half of the more than 30,000 people enrolled in the program."

Florida's Department of Health has cut funding to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), citing an inability to find $120 million in the state budget. ADAP previously covered people earning up to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level; eligibility is now limited to 130 percent, which will affect more than half of the over 30,000 enrollees and could leave over 10,000 without medication. The change follows federal Budget Reconciliation legislation and cited rising insurance premiums. Critics point to a December investigation that found the administration redirected more than $35 million in taxpayer funds toward political ballot campaigns.

Read at Advocate.com