AEGiS-ATN: California ADAP Update

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

California ADAP Update

AIDS TREATMENT NEWS Issue #306, November 6, 1998
John S. James

Our last issue explained in detail a problem with the California ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program), which led to many people being surprised when the central computer said they were no longer eligible after September 1. They still are eligible (unless their income is now too high, or they otherwise do not meet the criteria); however, Federal rules require that they re-establish eligibility every year, and few counties or other ADAP jurisdictions informed people when their year was up. (The reason for the sudden surge of rejection notices in September is that the California system was gradually centralized about a year ago, and for many clients the one-year clock had to be reset at that time because of database problems in the earlier, non-centralized records.)

Another California wave of expiration notices is expected in early November. However, the ADAP system has been revised to make it easier for pharmacies and patients to deal with this problem. Also, pharmacists are more familiar with it than they were a month ago.

If your one-year period has expired, you should be asked by the pharmacist to sign a form which gives you notice that you must re-apply within the next month; then the pharmacist can release a 30-day emergency supply of the drugs. Then within 30 days, you must re-apply at an ADAP enrollment center, which can involve some paperwork. In theory it does not matter which center you apply at, but in fact some eligibility workers are easier to work with than others; it may help to get a recommendation if possible from a friend or advisor.

If you need to apply or re-apply for California ADAP, we suggest reading "California ADAP Alert," in AIDS TREATMENT NEWS #305, October 305, 1998. There has been one change, however. Since that article was published, the ADAP computer system has been changed, at least temporarily, so that you can no longer check your own eligibility status. The reason for this change is concern about privacy and confidentiality, an issue now being reviewed.

If you need assistance with California ADAP, call PMDC, 888- 311-7632. You can reach an Enrollment and Eligibility Specialist Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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