Life-and-Death Power of AIDS Funding

Last year, Steven Dimmick, 31, sold his car and home in Jacksonville, Fla., then filed for bankruptcy protection. He needed cash to purchase the drugs that keep him from dying of AIDS. .... All 50 states now have assistance programs for people with low income, living with the disease. But, in an increasing number, the need for these medications is greater than federal and state funding. As a result, 13 states have already reduced the amount of drugs offered -- and increased the number of people on waiting lists. ... Florida -- with the nation's longest waiting list at more than 3,900 people -- is proposing changes in eligibility that would not only leave more people like Dimmick on the waiting list but cut off more than 1,600 from the program (Sir Elton John and Sen. Bill Nelson, 10/12).