Florida cuts off life-saving HIV medication program to tens of thousands of people - LGBTQ Nation

"The emergency rule, issued last week and taking effect on March 1, reduces income eligibility for the ADAP - which, since 1996, has helped low-income people afford HIV and AIDS medication - from 400% of the federal poverty level to 130%, the Tampa Bay Times and other outlets reported."

"HIV medications can cost more than $5,000 per month, The Washington Post noted. As a result, people living with HIV in Florida who make more than approximately $20,500 annually - down from around $64,000 prior to the rule change - are now ineligible to receive ADAP assistance for medication."

"The Department spent two months cutting people off without following the law. When we took them to court, they filed an emergency rule at midnight to dodge accountability," Esteban Wood, AHF's director of advocacy and legislative affairs, told CBS News."

Florida's Department of Health issued an emergency rule effective March 1 that drastically reduces eligibility for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), a program that has provided HIV and AIDS medications to low-income individuals since 1996. The income threshold dropped from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level, meaning people earning more than approximately $20,500 annually are now ineligible. This affects an estimated 16,000 people living with HIV in Florida. HIV medications cost over $5,000 monthly. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation filed legal challenges, accusing the health department of violating state rule-making laws and filing the emergency rule to avoid accountability during pending litigation.

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