PI Action alerts & updates ... 2002

Key Member of Congress
Endorses Early Treatment For HIV Act

Urge your Representative and Senators
to Support Medicaid Expansion for People With HIV

May 6, 2002 — Last year, Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Richard Gephardt (D-MO) introduced H.R. 2063, “The Early Treatment for HIV Act” (ETHA). A Senate version, S. 987, was introduced by Senators Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) and John Kerry (D-MA)

These bills would give states the option to extend Medicaid coverage to uninsured low-income people living with HIV. Under current rules, most people living with HIV are ineligible for Medicaid until they reach the Social Security definition of disability. In most cases, they need to have full-blown AIDS before becoming eligible for Medicaid. Currently, if states wish to cover people living with HIV under their Medicaid programs, they have to apply for a waiver from the federal government. This can be a lengthy and burdensome process.

ETHA eliminates the need for this waiver and allows states to include people living with HIV in their Medicaid program by adding HIV as an eligible category for coverage. Those applying for Medicaid would still have to meet the income requirements of their state Medicaid program.

This legislation is especially important right now given the current financial crisis in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). ADAPs around the country are reporting difficulties in providing an adequate level of service and meeting the needs of everyone qualified for the program. ETHA would greatly help reduce the burden on ADAP and other Ryan White CARE Act programs. In addition, CARE Act programs are “discretionary”, which means funding is reviewed every year during the appropriations process. Medicaid is an “entitlement” program, meaning the funding stream is much more stable and those receiving Medicaid services are guaranteed coverage.

H.R. 2063 received a major boost last week when Representative John Dingell (D-MI) signed on as a cosponsor. Rep. Dingell is the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where the bill has been referred for review. His support means that there is a good chance the bill will be considered as its own bill or attached to another piece of health-related legislation.

Currently, there are 138 cosponsors of H.R. 2063, with only 3 Republicans supporting the bill. S. 987 has 4 cosponsors A long list of co-sponsors will demonstrate strong support for this legislation and help make sure it is considered for a vote this year.

You can make a difference by asking your Representative and Senators to be a cosponsor of these bills!

How you can help:
Please call your U.S. Representative and your two U.S. Senators and ask them to cosponsor The Early Treatment For HIV Act. Phone calls are strongly recommended over emails because they are received and documented quickly.

You can use the following sample language to help craft your message.

For Representative:
“I am calling to urge Representative __________ to cosponsor H.R. 2063, the Early Treatment For HIV Act, introduced by Representative Pelosi. This bill would give states the option to extend Medicaid to uninsured, low-income people living with HIV. It is a humane and cost-effective bill and I urge Representative _____________ to do everything in his/her power to ensure that it becomes law.”

For Senators:
“I am calling to urge Senator __________ to cosponsor S. 987, the Early Treatment For HIV Act introduced by Senator Torricelli. This bill would give states the option to extend Medicaid to uninsured, low-income people living with HIV. It is a humane and cost-effective bill and I urge Senator _____________ to do everything in his/her power to ensure that it becomes law.”

Be personal in your message! If you or someone you care about would benefit from this bill, let your elected officials know. If your state ADAP is having trouble meeting the needs of those it serves, you might talk about how ETHA would help relieve the burden on that program.

How to find out if your Representative/Senator is already a cosponsor:
You can look up cosponsors of these bills at http://thomas.loc.gov. Type “H.R. 2063” or “S. 987” (without quotes) in the box after “Bill Number”. Then click “Bill Summary and Status File”, then “Cosponsors” If your Representative or Senator is already a cosponsor, please call and thank them for their leadership!

Contact information:
You can reach your Representative and Senators through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

Please forward this Alert to your friends, family, colleagues, etc. and ask them to take action as well!