The first AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) stats are out for the new year, and since our last report (November 2012), the national ADAP watch list has nearly been cut in half. As of January 17th, there are 51 people on the national ADAP waiting list across four states. Since November 2012, Louisiana has officially dropped its waiting list to zero, although they are still enrolling new clients as needed, while Idaho and South Dakota experienced a slight increase in their enrollment numbers.

While this progress is very welcomed, it remains to be seen how the waitlist and and ADAP funding will be affected when the Sequestration cuts are expected to be enacted. According to the FY2013 ADAP budget, it is slated to cover the cost of 236,230 patients and medications for nearly 150,000 people. The most recent figures show that it costs the government $4,901 per person, per year, to provide antiretrovirals through ADAP.

But should the sequestration take place, at least 15,700 Americans will lose access ADAP services.

What’s more, any cuts to the nation’s ADAP program will heavily affect people of color. Of the nearly 150,000 people who receive their medications through ADAP, over half are people of color. AMFAR reports, “People of color make up more than 50 percent of ADAP clients in 26 states and the District of Columbia.” Should the sequestration go through, as many pundits are predicting, at least 10,500 people of color who are also living with HIV/AIDS will lose access to ADAP benefits.

All this goes to show how certain policies make the poor poorer, and the marginalized even more powerless.

Stay tuned for updates.

ADAP WATCH Jan 2013 by

Follow the Update blog on Twitter @housingworks.

blog comments powered by Disqus

OUR MISSION Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts.

Stay in Touch

Intranet HIV/AIDS Notice Privacy Policy