The Unfortunate Return of ADAP Waiting Lists

On July 10, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) announced the return of AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting lists. There are 35 people on waiting lists in Indiana and Montana. Utah and Montana have had to reduce their drug formulary to save money. Arizona and Indiana expect to implement cost-containment measures in the coming months. You can read the entire report here.

NASTAD is also beginning to track Part B programs in the states. These programs include primary care and support services and play a vital role in ensuring people with HIV/AIDS have comprehensive care. Two states have reported a waiting list for primary care services and two others have a waiting list for case management or housing services. Four states have eliminated support services (such as transportation to doctor visits, substance abuse treatment, food vouchers, etc.) as a result of reduced funding or the need to shift funds into treatment and primary care.

While number of people on ADAP waiting lists is the lowest since 2002, and many other states have been able to strengthen and improve their ADAPs and Part B programs in the past year, the situation will likely get worse without a significant increase in Part B/ADAP funding in the next fiscal year. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have recommended highly inadequate funding levels for Part B programs and ADAP. This would likely lead to more waiting lists for vital treatment and health care services.

Project Inform continues to advocate with our partners for full funding for the entire Ryan White Program, including Part B/ADAP. You can help by calling your House Representative and two Senators and urging them to support the highest possible funding levels for Ryan White. For more information or a sample phone message, write to PI Action.