In the news ... 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HIV advocates express deep concern
over Governor's proposed 2008–09 budget;
Project Inform seeks to prevent cuts to
HIV treatment and testing programs

Contact: Anne Donnelly, 415-640-6103

January 10, 2008

Project Inform today reacted with deep concern to proposed HIV/AIDS cuts in Governor Schwarzenegger’s draft FY 2008-09 budget. The Governor has proposed an $11 million cut in state funding of AIDS programs, including $7 million from the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides access to lifesaving treatment for low-income people with HIV. The ADAP cuts would be enacted by removing certain drugs from its formulary that are used to manage side-effects and co-morbid conditions. No anti-retrovirals or drugs to fight opportunistic infections are scheduled for cuts.

The draft budget also proposes to cut funding to HIV counseling and testing programs, potentially harming efforts to identify the estimated 20% of HIV-positive Californians who are unaware of their HIV status. In addition to cuts to the HIV/AIDS budget, the Governor has proposed elimination of several optional services in Medi-Cal that are essential to people with HIV/AIDS, including adult dental, optometry, and psychology, and a 10% reduction in Medi-Cal provider reimbursement rates.

“While we recognize the serious budget deficit facing California and appreciate the strong past support of the Governor and Legislature for HIV/AIDS programs, these proposed cuts are very problematic,” said Anne Donnelly, Director of Health Care Policy. “Cutting treatment and care for low-income people with HIV/AIDS will make it difficult to access the comprehensive medical services necessary to manage this complex disease. Also, reducing funding for HIV testing is in conflict with the federal government’s initiative to diagnose previously unidentified cases of HIV-and bring additional HIV-positive people into care.”

Project Inform pledged to work with its advocacy partners to find alternative savings in the HIV/AIDS budget that prevent harm to people living with and at risk for HIV. The agency also strongly encouraged the Governor and the Legislature to consider other mechanisms to address the state’s structural deficit, including revenue enhancement proposals, in order to prevent cuts to essential health and human services programs.