US EditionFlorida Department of Health Cuts Thousands of Dollars in Funds From HIV and AIDS Drug Program
The emergency rule will cut HIV drug assistance for 10,000 to 16,000 Floridians due to federal funding shortfalls and rising insurance premiums, officials said.
- Starting March 1, the Florida Department of Health will restrict AIDS Drug Assistance Program eligibility from 400% to 130% of poverty, affecting an estimated 10,000 to 16,000 patients.
- State officials cited a $120 million federal funding shortfall and the Jan. 1 jump in Obamacare subsidies as key reasons for the eligibility changes, while a DOH spokesperson pointed to rising insurance premiums and lack of Ryan White Grant funding.
- With monthly HIV drug costs of $3,000 to $7,500, the emergency order restricts insurance coverage for Biktarvy, used by roughly 60% of enrollees.
- Calling the filing improper, Esteban Wood said `The Department spent two months cutting people off without following the law. When we took them to court, they filed an emergency rule at midnight to dodge accountability`, and advocates say the rules will remain in effect for 90 days.
- Advocates and public-health officials warn interruptions in treatment could worsen outcomes and transmission as Florida has one of the highest new diagnosis rates; the State Legislature earmarked funds that may not arrive until July 1.
10 Articles
10 Articles
HIV progam rule challenge back in administrative court; attorneys conference in circuit court case
Florida Surgeon General and DOH Secretary Joseph Ladapo signed off on emergency rules that allow the state to move ahead with ADAP reductions. (Photo by Imani Thomas/Florida Phoenix)A leading AIDS health care provider moved ahead Thursday with a new administrative challenge to emergency rules being proposed by the DeSantis administration that would reduce access to a program that helps people with HIV and AIDS. The legal challenge brought by the…
Advocates warn cuts to HIV/AIDS drug assistance are a 'death warrant' for Floridians
About twelve thousand Floridians could lose access to HIV and AIDS medication come Sunday, according to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. It comes from an emergency ruling from the Florida Department of Health that advocates are calling a “death warrant” for HIV patients. Starting Sunday, the state will cut its subsidies for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Due to the Florida DOH’s emergency order, financial help will only be available to peopl…
Florida Department of Health cuts thousands of dollars in funds from HIV and AIDS drug program
Starting Sunday, the state will cut its subsidies for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), and funds will only be available for people at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, a drop from 400%.
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