National News Oregon Adds Restrictions to AIDS ProgramAugust 12, 2002 In a recent letter to residents served by its AIDS drug program CAREAssist, the Oregon Department of Human Services outlined plans to cap enrollment and slice benefits. The plan offers insurance coverage for medicines as well as other health
services, such as doctor visits. It is designed for people who make too much money to qualify for government health coverage, but too little to afford private health insurance. The program serves 769 residents and has a 32-person waiting list.
Adapted from:Oregon and at least 11 other states are rolling back their programs because demand for the drugs is rising and so are drug prices. Oregon is facing a $1.7 million shortfall in its $3.8 million program budget. To make up the money, officials said they transferred funds from other HIV programs and trimmed overhead. And they are limiting services. The four main changes are:
Associated Press 08.11.02 This article was provided by CDC National Prevention Information Network. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update.
|