Report Examines ADAP Waiting Lists, Other Cost-Containment Measures

"ADAP Watch," National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors: The report finds that as of Nov. 25, there were 53 people on AIDS Drug Assistance Program waiting lists in Indiana, Montana and Nebraska. In May, 35 people were on ADAP waiting lists. The report also finds that five states -- Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Montana and Nebraska -- report that they either have cost-containment measures in place or expect to implement such measures by the end of March 2009. According to the report, several factors are contributing to the need for states to implement cost-containment measures, including Ryan White Program reauthorization funding shifts and policy changes; state budget reductions due to the national economic situation; increased service demand because of higher numbers of people living with HIV; changes in other health care programs such as Medicare Part D and Medicaid; and increased HIV testing resulting in more new diagnoses. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, at least 39 states have financial difficulties in their fiscal year 2009 and 2010 budgets, and NASTAD expects that additional ADAP waiting lists or the number of people on waiting lists will grow as state budgets are reduced ("ADAP Watch," NASTAD, 12/8).

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