Montana: AIDS Medication Funds Stretched

Twenty low-income Montanans are on a waiting list to receive medicines through the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Tough economic times have increased the number of those with HIV/AIDS seeking help from ADAP, but federal Ryan White funding of the program has remained level.

Most of the federal funds for ADAP go to states with historically large epidemics, such as California. "Almost 75 percent of all funding goes to about 12 states. The other states share the crumbs, so to speak," said Gregory Edwards, executive director of the Calif.-based Flowers Heritage Foundation. FHF helps pay for medications for HIV/AIDS patients unable to access ADAP.

Judy Nielsen, HIV program coordinator for the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, noted that the proportion of Montanans with HIV/AIDS who need assistance is greater than in other states. Montanans are more likely to be poor and lack health insurance, she said. "Most of the less than 500 persons we know to be living with HIV in Montana will be eligible for Ryan White care," she said. "The money doesn't spread far enough."

FHF, which has struggled in its fundraising efforts in recent years, has not committed to covering any Montanans in 2010, said Edwards. The foundation paid medication costs for 22 people in the state in 2006 and 13 in 2008.

Billings-based RiverStone Health is also cutting back. The provider has 30 new HIV/AIDS patients on its rolls but no increase in funding, said Community Health Services Director Tamalee Taylor. RiverStone no longer pays for medicines, other than those to treat HIV/AIDS, or assists with utility bills. It also now caps spending on dental and vision care.

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