Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - March 27, 2008
Bob Roehr
ETHA has been a top priority of AIDS advocates for more than a decade. It would allow states, through Medicaid, to offer access to treatment to low income persons infected with HIV prior to their health deteriorating to full-blown AIDS.
It is modeled after existing programs for breast and cervical cancer, and the component of SCHIP legislation that would have extended health coverage to more children. SCHIP was vetoed last year by President Bush and Congress fell a few votes short of overriding that veto.
The amendment creates a reserve fund for ETHA. Initially that was set at $500 million but the final version of the amendment included no dollar figure for the program; it simply allows the budget chairman to fund it if offsetting funds can be identified elsewhere in the budget.
The overall budget resolution passed the Senate 51-44, largely on a party line vote.
A companion ETHA bill was introduced in the House last August. However, it was not included in the Budget Resolution that passed that body 212-207 on March 13.
During a visit to the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park last August, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) reiterated her support for ETHA.
"I will do everything possible to make it happen," Pelosi told the Bay Area Reporter at the time, referring to the stalled measure and problems with the way the Congressional Budget Office scores legislation as it relates to costs and benefits.
It is not clear whether ETHA will survive a conference between the two chambers to work out differences between the two bills. It is even less clear whether Congress eventually will appropriate funds for ETHA demonstration programs by state Medicaid offices.
Under budgetary restraints adopted by the Democrats known as "paygo" (pay as you go), new spending has to be offset by cuts elsewhere or by the imposition of new taxes. The latter course is not considered a viable political option in an election year.
Back in the House, Representative Maxine Waters (D-California) was pressing the case for more funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative in a March 19 letter to the Appropriations Committee signed by 79 members. They are asking for $610 million in fiscal year 2009, an increase of about 50 percent over current funding.
080327
BR080311
Copyright © 2008 - The Bay Area Reporter. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the The Bay Area Reporter.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .