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| 3. Access to HIV related medications and treatment options Current treatment for HIV infection is based on the utilization of anti-retroviral therapies and other medications to treat opportunistic infections. Access to these medications must be assured for all HIV positive people to improve overall health outcomes and quality of life. While certain private insurance programs cover HIV related medications, many people living with HIV are uninsured or underinsured; thus severe limitations exist in accessing life-prolonging medications. To establish an emergency safety net providing access to medications, the federal government created the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) under the Ryan White CARE Act and, under Medicaid, allows states to provide optional prescription drug benefits. Additionally, Congress has authorized a new Medicare prescription drug benefit which will be implemented in 2006. Nevertheless, ADAP is facing a budget crisis, Medicaid requires an AIDS defining diagnosis before access can be granted, and it is still unclear whether the new Medicare benefit will offer adequate drug coverage to beneficiaries living with HIV. AIDS Action seeks to ensure that each of these systems works toward regional and state consistency, enhanced standards of care, portability, and the adoption of a consistent drug formulary with increased availability of its medications. The drug formulary must, at a minimum, contain all FDA-approved antiretroviral therapeutics, all FDA-approved prophylaxes and therapeutics for opportunistic infections (such as Hepatitis C and tuberculosis), and all medications to treat side effects, mental health and alcohol and other drug disorders associated with HIV. AIDS Action will work with its members, Congress, the Administration, coalition partners, and the private sector to support access to life saving medication for all people living with HIV. [back to introduction] |