Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) today commended President Clinton for his decision to seek a substantial increase in Federal funds for the program that helps people infected with HIV, pay for costly, yet effective, new drugs. "The AIDS Drug Assistance Program offers a lifeline to people who otherwise would be unable to pay for these new drugs. Research has shown that combination therapies are effective in battling the AIDS virus. We need to make these drugs available to all Americans who would benefit from them," Pelosi said.
In its FY ‘99 budget request, the Clinton Administration seeks $385 million for ADAP, a $100 million or 35% increase over the current fiscal year. "This amount represents a considerable increase, but it should not be seen as a substitute for expanding Medicaid coverage to those who need government help to pay for these drugs, although they may not be eligible under present guidelines. We have an issue here that is more than the cost of drugs, it is also one of providing primary care," Pelosi said.
Rep. Pelosi has introduced the HIV Treatment Improvement Act in an effort to expand access to effective drug treatment through an expansion of Medicaid. This would allow the early and aggressive treatment recommended in the new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidelines to be covered under Medicaid. The cost of this expansion would likely be offset by savings in more expensive hospital care under Medicaid when people are not treated early and the obvious savings to federal income support programs like SSI by preventing disability. The Pelosi legislation also requires that state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs comply with the new HIV treatment guidelines issued by HHS in November.
