PI Action alerts & updates ... 2001

Special Alert For Health Care Providers
California AIDS Drug Assistance Program Facing Serious Budget Shortfall

Please Urge Governor Davis to Support Adequate Funding for this Critical Program

June 7, 2001 — Governor Davis’ proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2001, which starts on July 1 of this year, provides no increased funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). ADAP provides treatments to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS who have no or inadequate insurance. To date, California’s ADAP has been among the best and most comprehensive of all state ADAPs. However, this program is facing a significant budget shortfall of $15 million and needs adequate funding to meet the needs of its beneficiaries.

Fortunately, both the State Assembly and the State Senate have approved a $15.3 million increase for ADAP in their versions of the state budget. However, this budget item still needs to be approved by Governor Davis to take effect. The Governor has line-item veto power and can approve, veto, or change this amount.

It is critical that Governor Davis hears from health care providers about the need for adequate funding for ADAP. Please take a few minutes to respond to the following request:

Action requested:
Please write a brief letter to Governor Davis as soon as possible and no later than Friday, June 22. Urge him to approve the Legislature’s increase of $15.3 million for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. A sample letter is enclosed. Please add one or two sentences to “personalize” your message. Letters can be mailed, faxed, or emailed, but they must include your name and contact information.

If you wish, please email rclary@projectinform.org to let us know that you responded to the Alert and so we can update you on the issue.

Please also forward this Alert widely to your colleagues and other health care professionals that might respond.

Sample letter:

Governor Davis’ contact information:
The Honorable Gray Davis
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-445-4633
Email: governor@governor.ca.gov
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference on this issue! If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Clary at 415-558-8669 x224 or rclary@projectinform.org.

The Honorable Gray Davis
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Davis,

As a health care provider, I strongly urge you to provide adequate funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) in the final Fiscal Year 2001-2002 budget. I am disappointed that you did not provide increased funding for this crucial program in your May Revise budget. The Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees have both approved an increase of $15.3 million to cover the funding shortfall facing ADAP. This increase must remain in the final budget.

As you know, ADAP provides HIV/AIDS treatments to low-income, HIV-positive Californians who are uninsured or whose insurance has inadequate prescription drug coverage. To date, California’s ADAP has been among the best and most comprehensive of all state ADAPs. It is estimated that California’s ADAP will need a total increase of $15 million in the next Fiscal Year to continue meeting the needs of its beneficiaries. Without this increase, there will be serious limitations in treatment access and could endanger the health and well-being of many Californians living with HIV/AIDS.

Insert professional statement here. Please discuss the importance of ADAP to your patients and the impact of inadequate funding for the program.

In the past two years, you have provided great leadership by ensuring adequate funding for this lifesaving program. As people across the world pause to recognize 20 years of fighting this devastating disease, it is clear that California can not retreat from fighting HIV/AIDS. Please do everything in your power to ensure that California’s ADAP continues to provide comprehensive services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Sincerely,
Your name