Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted to provide life-saving care, treatment, and support services to the nearly half-million Americans living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act (S 1793) makes vital investments in research and care to ensure that Americans living with HIV/AIDS can maintain the highest quality of life as we strive to find a cure.  The bill passed by a vote of 408 - 9.
"The Ryan White Program has been serving Americans living with HIV/AIDS for nearly 20 years," stated Payne. "This bipartisan bill makes key investments to improve the quality and affordability of care for HIV/AIDS patients for years to come."

Established in 1990, the Ryan White Program has made it easier for HIV/AIDS patients to afford the costly medical treatments they need to survive. Today’s extension will increase the authorization level for each part of the program by 5% per year for the next 4 years to ensure that we continue to provide access to vital health benefits for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Americans. It also makes investments to improve care in regions of the country with the highest rates of HIV/AIDS and helps to eliminate disparities in access to care among racial and ethnic groups by funding the Minority AIDS Initiative - a program that ensures minority populations receive uninterrupted, quality care for HIV/AIDS. 

"This program is a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable populations," said Payne. "I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the House and Senate in support of this life-saving initiative to ensure that Americans living with HIV/AIDS receive the care they need."

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