The ADAP Watch

As of February 23, 2012, there are 4,251 individuals on ADAP waiting lists in eleven (11) states.  Alabama has eliminated their waiting list as a result of the client recertification process; Alabama maintains a capped enrollment on their program and will reinstitute a waiting list when that cap is reached. To see a list of states with access restrictions please visit NASTAD's website.

Since the release of final FY2011 Ryan White grant awards in September 2011, including $40 million in ADAP emergency relief funding for states with waiting lists or other cost-containment measures in place, some ADAPs were able to reduce the overall number of individuals on their waiting list. The number of individuals on waiting lists has decreased 53 percent since a high of 9,298 individuals on September 1, 2011. However, as states have removed individuals from their waiting lists, they have continued to add new individuals to their program. In addition, many ADAPs are struggling financially, including those without any cost-containment measures currently in place, and are beginning to anticipate the need for cost-containment measures and waiting lists in the upcoming ADAP FY2012 grant year (beginning April 1, 2012). As a result of these factors, waiting lists will likely continue to grow until additional funding is received.

New ADAP grant awards for FY2012, which will include an additional $15 million appropriated by Congress, are anticipated by April 1. In addition, the $35 million in additional funding that President Obama announced on World AIDS Day has not yet been finalized. We understand that HRSA is developing a distribution methodology that will require a competitive application by ADAPs. The funds must be awarded by September 30, 2012, but the timing of release of this funding to states remains unknown. NASTAD continues to advocate for thoughtful yet swift release of this funding as these awards will impact various cost-containment measures.

Finally, we have seen positive developments in the FY2013 budget for ADAP. President Obama released his detailed FY2013 budget proposal on February 13, 2012 which includes a $67 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) over FY2012 levels, for a total of $1 billion. The FY2012 ADAP earmark included in the FY2013 budget includes the $35 million announced on World AIDS Day.

To see information on pharmaceutical company co-payment assistance and patient assistance programs, please visit the Positively Aware website or the Fair Pricing Coalition's website.