August 19, 2011
Michelle Roland, Chief
CA Office of AIDS
MS 7700
P.O. Box 997426
Sacramento, CA 95899-7426
Dr. Roland:
We received your letter regarding the changing re-certification policies for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and the need to immediately develop plans to screen Ryan White consumers for the Low Income Health Programs (LIHPs).  It is of utmost importance that the State, providers and grantees share the same understanding, and as such we request that the State convene a stakeholder group to craft the rolling admission policy. Â
The stakeholder group should include HIV/AIDS advocates and Ryan White grantees/providers Parts A and C.  This group should discuss how and when notifications for the rolling LIHP referral policy are sent to ADAP consumers and what the actual recertification process will consist of.
It is imperative that providers, grantees and advocates are fully included in this process immediately. While we had anticipated that this transition process would be thoughtfully planned, confusion and anxiety are growing rapidly among the community because of the current lack of LIHP-Ryan White provider contracts, possible pharmacy network inadequacies, uncertain provider and LIHP capacity to implement transition plans, undecided formularies and changing income eligibilities county by county.Â
In addition to an advisory group, we also strongly urge the Office of AIDS to offer a formal public comment period before any implementation plans are finalized. Used in the development of other types of state policy, guidance and planning, a public comment period provides all stakeholder constituencies an opportunity to address critical components and considerations that may impact implementation and might be otherwise overlooked. Any public comment period engaged for a plan of this significance to the HIV provider and consumer communities should be of sufficient duration and scope (e.g., at least a month) to ensure that all stakeholders can properly assess the proposed plans and provide thoughtful feedback in response.
The California Department of Health Care Services and Office of AIDS must work in effective collaboration with stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and easy access to life-saving medications for people living with HIV/AIDS.
At this crucial time, convening this stakeholder group and getting community feedback is essential to California’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Â
Respectfully,
LA Gay & Lesbian Center
Project Inform
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
LA County Office of AIDS Programs and Policy
Sacramento CARES