Florida Restores Critical AIDS Drug Access

Florida lawmakers have agreed to a budget that reverses major cuts to the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This crucial development restores eligibility standards to 400% of the federal poverty level, ensuring more Floridians living with HIV can access necessary medications. The agreement, announced on Monday, also brings back drugs previously removed from coverage, such as Biktarvy, a commonly prescribed treatment.

This budget deal allocates $75 million for ADAP moving forward, a significant restoration after eligibility was sharply reduced earlier this year. The state health department's earlier decision had cut income eligibility to 130% of the federal poverty level and ended insurance premium assistance for many, affecting over 12,000 Floridians. Advocates highlight that continuous treatment is essential for people with HIV to stay healthy and prevent transmission.

Advocacy groups organized rallies and legal challenges to counter the initial cuts. Prior to this agreement, lawmakers had already approved $30.9 million in emergency funding. While the new deal ensures critical access, it includes a cap of 21,000 participants in the direct dispense system, a point of opposition for some advocates. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the full state budget this Friday.