AIDSWEEKLY Plus; September 9, 2002
Michael Greer, Senior Medical Writer

"With over 1200 uninsured Americans on waiting lists for life-saving medications, we're proud to see California's delegation speak out," said Clint Trout, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) associate director of government affairs.

While the federal government provides money to states to purchase antiretroviral drugs for low-income people, several states are running short of funds and are restricting access. California representatives Mary Bono (R-Palm Springs), Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles), Doug Ose (R-Woodland), and Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) issued a letter asking for a $100 million increase for the beleaguered AIDS Drug Assistance Progam (ADAP). "These four compassionate leaders are casting aside partisan politics to show leadership and we salute them," said Trout, who coordinated efforts to secure the letter and called on the remaining California members of the House to sign on.

The ADAP program is in trouble: Despite sharp increases in the number of people who depend on ADAP, the program has received only modest funding increases over the past 2 years. "Last year, half of the increase to the program was absorbed by drug price increases," said Trout. "Fortunately, we've successfully pressured the drug industry to freeze prices and ensure that new funds help more people."

As reported on July 29, 2002 by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Wall Street Journal, over 1,200 uninsured people with HIV/AIDS are currently on ADAP waiting lists instead of receiving the medications they desperately need. Of these, 639 are in North Carolina, which is among 10 states and territories that have instituted enrollment caps, formulary restrictions, or waiting lists to cope with under-funding. More states are expected to implement similar measures if funding is not increased immediately.

The Chronicle also quoted a North Carolina resident's despair at being on the waiting list:

"Being on this waiting list is driving me crazy. I don't know how I will get my medicine next month," said Tina McCarroll, 42, a recovering drug addict in Charlotte. "I just want to stay alive, that's all."

McCarroll said she lost her Medicaid health insurance when she took a part- time job as a grocery clerk. She was depending on ADAP to keep up the supply of five antiviral pills she must take each day. If she had to pay for them herself, it would cost $1000 a month.

"I used to be a drug addict," said McCarroll, a mother of two grown children. "I've been clean for 2 years. I want a job, but they're taking away my medication."

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

020909
AW020905

Copyright © 2002 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. 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 © 1980,2002. 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.