Georgia's AIDS Drug Waiting List Second Longest

The number of patients on waiting lists for help through state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) stood at 2,359 at the end of July, a 65 percent increase in only one month, according to a report by the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors.

Among the 13 states that were maintaining waiting lists, Florida led with 925 individuals. Following were Georgia (240), South Carolina (238) and Kentucky (225). Louisiana, which has capped ADAP enrollment, estimates its unmet need at 219 individuals.

Georgia's waiting list exceeds original projections by 60 percent, said Jeff Graham, executive director of the advocacy group Georgia Equality, which is working with other groups to protect ADAP funding.

"We're hoping to collect as many postcards as possible over the next six weeks and hand-deliver them to our senators and various members of Georgia's congressional delegation when several of us will be in D.C. at the end of September," Graham said.

The report describes other actions taken or under consideration by 27 states to contain ADAP costs, including reducing the formulary, lowering income eligibility, and instituting client cost-sharing.

Georgia is not considering such cost-cutting measures, but the threat to the state's ADAP funding has spurred the reconvening of the Georgia ADAP Task Force, Graham said. The group will work to expand the availability of HIV medications.

"The waiting list is for medication only. No medical care or other critical supportive services such as case management, nutritional counseling, housing or mental health, and substance abuse programs are affected," Graham said.

To access the report, visit www.nastad.org/Docs/Public/InFocus/2010730_NASTAD%20ADAP%20Watch%20-%20July%202010.pdf.

Back to other news for August 2010