PI Action alerts & updates ... 1997

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs
Continue to be in Crisis

Urge Congress to Support a $132 Million Increase!

Congress will soon debate the Fiscal Year 1998 budget for HIV/AIDS programs. President Clinton has not requested an increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Meanwhile, ADAPs nationwide are continuing to experience financial difficulties, with many unable to provide a minimal level of service. Experts have indicated that an increase of $132 million in federal ADAP funds is needed to provide adequate treatment access through ADAP for those in need. In addition, Congress must support adequate increases for all HIV/AIDS prevention, care, research, and housing programs to match the growth of the epidemic. Please contact your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators and urge them to support these increases!

Action Needed:
Write your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators. Ask them to support a $132 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 1998. Let them know that their response to the epidemic must be comprehensive and include adequate funding for ALL HIV/AIDS programs. Use the following sample letter and background information to craft your message. Be sure to send us copies of your letters and any responses you receive!

Sample Letter:

The Honorable _____________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable _______________
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Representative/Senator _____________ I am writing to urge you to support a $132 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for Fiscal Year 1998. I also support increased funding for HIV/AIDS research, prevention, care, and housing programs.

Insert a short personal note here. Explain if you or someone you care about depends on ADAP for treatment. You can also discuss how other HIV/AIDS programs have made a difference in your life or that of someone you know.

Many ADAPs nationwide are experiencing major financial crises and have been forced to cap enrollment, reduce the number of available drugs, change eligibility criteria, and/or transfer funds from other crucial AIDS service programs. ADAP is a cost-effective and humane program that allows individuals to remain healthy and productive. In addition, the federal response to AIDS must be comprehensive and include adequate funding for all HIV/AIDS programs. While promising new therapies have brought much hope to many people living with HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is not over. Please do everything you can to ensure that these programs are adequately funded.

Sincerely,
Your name

Background information:
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program provides HIV/AIDS treatments at low or no cost to low-income individuals with inadequate prescription drug coverage. ADAPs nationwide have been facing fiscal crises and have been unable to provide treatments to everyone in need due to many reasons, including inadequate state and federal funding and increased demand.

Last year, advocates were successful in obtaining $167 million in targeted federal ADAP funding. However, President Clinton has requested no increase for this program in his Fiscal Year 1998 budget. Meanwhile, many programs continue to report emergency actions in response to inadequate funding. For example:

• Seventeen states have transferred funds from other service categories into ADAP.
• Thirteen states have capped ADAP enrollment.
• Thirteen states have capped or restricted access to protease inhibitors for active clients.
• Nine states have reduced the number of available drugs
• Seven states have capped or restricted access to other drugs
• Seven states have changed financial eligibility requirements

In addition, it is reported that 600 of 880 individuals from Mississippi who are dependent on ADAP for their drugs may be thrown off the program due to pending budget cuts. This is just one example of what is occurring nationwide.

Congress needs to hear that last year’s emergency increases for ADAP are not enough. The National ADAP Working Group has projected that a $132 million increase in federal funding is needed to bring ADAPs to a minimal level of service. In addition, state governments should increase their contribution by $47 million.

Finally, it is important to note that ADAP is one part of the government’s AIDS response. Significant increases in funding for HIV/AIDS research, care, prevention, and housing programs are needed to match the growing demand for services. In any communication with your elected officials, please stress that all HIV/AIDS programs are important and they all need adequate funding.