District Of Columbia: Program Increases Availability of HIV Drugs

Under a special initiative recently announced by city officials, low-income Washington residents with HIV will have greater access to medications through the Medicaid expansion program. Under the plan, a network of 24 pharmacies will provide antiretroviral drugs to single adults with income equal to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. The D.C. Department of Health expects to sign up 267 people this year for the program and 620 people over the next five years. The initiative relies on a federal waiver permitting Medicaid coverage to be extended to individuals who would otherwise be ineligible. It is one of just three such programs nationwide, said city officials. For more information, telephone 202-671-5000.

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