PI Action alerts & updates ... 2001
Letter to Senator Diane Feinstein:
AIDS Drug Assistance Program Funding
The following is a letter from Project Inform to Senator Dianne
Feinstein urging her support for a $120 million increase for the
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This program provides access
to treatment for low income people living with HIV/AIDS who are
uninsured or lack adequate prescription drug coverage. Without this
increase, ADAPs around the country are likely to have difficulty
providing a minimum level of service to their clients. You are encouraged
to write a similar letter to your U.S. Representative and two U.S.
Senators. If you need help identifying your representatives or crafting
your message, email tan@projectinform.org.
October 1, 2001
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
VIA FAX: 202-228-3954
Dear Senator Feinstein:
On behalf of Project Inform, a national HIV treatment
information and advocacy organization based in San Francisco, I
am writing to urge your support for a $120 million increase for
the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for Fiscal Year 2002.
As you know, ADAP, funded under Title II of the
Ryan White CARE Act, provides treatments for low-income uninsured
and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS across the country.
In the absence of a national healthcare program with prescription
drug benefit, ADAP is a cost-effective and humane program that helps
HIV positive people remain healthy and productive. It also helps
delay and reduce emergency care, hospitalization, and treatment
of opportunistic infections. The program is a true lifeline for
many individuals nationwide.
However, many state ADAPs are experiencing difficulties
meeting the needs of their clients. Last year, Congress appropriated
a $61 million increase for ADAP, far less than the $130 million
identified by experts as needed to meet growing demand on the program.
The impact of this underfunding is being reported by many states.
Nine states have closed enrollment to new clients. By the end of
this fiscal year, seven more states may cap enrollment or implement
program restrictions. Currently, there are over 600 people on ADAP
waiting lists, and the number is expected to increase. A $120 million
increase is the minimum amount necessary to allow ADAPs to serve
those in need.
In addition to supporting a $120 million increase
for ADAP, I hope that you will also support the highest possible
funding for the entire Ryan White CARE Act, and all domestic and
international HIV/AIDS programs. As you know, the response to the
HIV epidemic must be comprehensive and adequately funded.
Project Inform greatly appreciates the leadership
you have shown in the fight against HIV/AIDS for so many years.
We know that Congress has much to deal with after the terrorist
attacks on September 11th. However, we truly need your help—perhaps
now more than ever—to ensure that people with HIV/AIDS have
access to effective treatments.
Thank you for considering our request. If you have
any questions, or if we can be of any assistance, please call me
at 415-558-8669, x208.
Sincerely,
Anne Donnelly
Public Policy Director
