Tens of thousands of Americans are losing access to HIV meds as nearly 20 states impose restrictions on assistance programs and several others weigh such changes.
So far, at least 18 states have tightened eligibility requirements for people benefiting from Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs).
ADAPs, which help pay for HIV medications or provide them free to some people, support roughly 25% of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the US.
These meds suppress the virus to undetectable levels. And when someone’s viral load is “undetectable,” there’s nearly zero chance of spreading it to others. Interrupting treatment could lead to an increase in new infections and in AIDS cases.
From the New York Times:
The biggest change took effect in Florida on Sunday, when officials cut off benefits for at least 16,000 residents living with H.I.V. The state also will no longer cover Biktarvy, the most widely prescribed H.I.V. medication.
With more than 32,000 clients, Florida’s program is the largest in the country. In January, the state informed members that it was altering income eligibility to 130 percent of the federal poverty level from the previous 400 percent — to an annual income of $20,748 for an individual, from the previous $63,840.
On Friday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opened a special enrollment period allowing Floridians who lose financial support for insurance premiums to choose a new plan. The period ends April 30.
Back in October, Pennsylvania changed its eligibility criteria for income from 500% of the federal poverty level to 350%.
Read more here.
Tens of thousands of Americans stand to lose access to treatments that not only keep them healthy, but also greatly reduce the spread of the virus.
https://t.co/MiL6OWJgsm— LGBTQ Nation (@lgbtqnation) March 3, 2026
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