Take action: Release ADAP funding now

...and she could help comfort the afflicted.

What is going on?

n/t

Forgive me for the large quote comment, but it's public record. I'll comment below this comment:

Thank you for your email concerning North Carolina's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). The Department of Health and Human Services share your concern about the current status of the program. We are committed to working with the General Assembly and its local partners to find solutions for the program in these difficult economic times.

It is important to understand that there are multiple factors that have created the fiscal crisis in ADAP. Because of the sluggish economy, we have seen the number of clients served by ADAP increase substantially, resulting in a 43% increase in cost. As the number of uninsured and unemployed individuals in our state rises coupled with increased testing, earlier treatment guidelines and continuing HIV epidemic, so has the demand for the ADAP assistance. Nationally, the number of individuals on ADAP waiting lists has grown 825% since April 2009. As of December 2009, the following states have ADAP waiting lists: Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming. Efforts are underway, at the state and federal level to find additional resources.

It is important to mention that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services budget for health care programs was reduced by the Legislature by over $1.5 billion this fiscal year as a result of the state budget crisis. This is unprecedented in amount and historic in nature, leaving the Department with limited ability to sustain the Program at current enrollment levels. You asked that the $4 million of funds be released so enrollment can continue. Unfortunately, $4 million does not solve the problem. We are working to identify $7 million in funds from other areas of the Department so that we may maintain services for those individuals currently enrolled in the program. Without these additional funds, we not only would have to freeze enrollment, but be faced with removing currently enrolled individuals from the program. We are dedicated to making certain that does not happen.

There is no debate that ADAP is an important life-saving program that is critical for the population it serves. The first priority must be to maintaining services to those currently enrolled in the program and also look for options for others who also need its services. The steps we have been forced to take in recent weeks have been difficult but are all related to that priority: continuing to provide anti-retrovirals to those currently served by ADAP. Moving forward, if the Program is re-opened, it is likely that first priority will be given to those individuals on the waiting list with income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about this important program.

Lanier M. Cansler
Secretary

Secretary Cansler writes:

You asked that the $4 million of funds be released so enrollment can continue. Unfortunately, $4 million does not solve the problem. We are working to identify $7 million in funds from other areas of the Department so that we may maintain services for those individuals currently enrolled in the program. Without these additional funds, we not only would have to freeze enrollment, but be faced with removing currently enrolled individuals from the program. We are dedicated to making certain that does not happen.

This was not my question. I want to know why the $4 million is not being spent.

Is it to cover something else? If so, what?

Is it to cover costs in the next fiscal year? If so, say so.

We need to know now to ask Congress and the legislature to address this.

Governor Perdue can act with great discretion (to put it mildly) in budgetary matters regarding the currently adopted budget.

Setting aside the question of the woefully inadequate funding given by the legislature...

What is the deal with the $4 mil?

I spoke with staff from the Governor's office about this yesterday. They will release enough money to keep current patients supplied with drugs until new federal money is released. They won't have enough to add new
patients unless the GA can come up with new funding.

If you saw the N&O this morning, you know about the cost overrun in personal care services. As we get that under control, I'm hoping we can find more funding for the most essential services such as ADAP funding.

Thanks for writing. Good to hear from you.