DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, FL \u2014 Florida lawmakers passed a $75M plan to restore HIV medication access. Here’s what it means.<\/p>\n
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:<\/p>\n
Florida legislature restores $75M in HIV medication funding through 2027<\/p>\n
The Florida Legislature has passed a new state budget that includes $75 million in one-time funding for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program, known as ADAP, stabilizing the program through 2027.<\/p>\n
If signed by the governor, the funding would restore patient income eligibility back to 400-percent of the federal poverty level, reverse some of the drug restrictions implemented earlier this year, and add independent oversight of the program.<\/p>\n
The budget funding only covers the upcoming fiscal year, meaning the ADAP funding debate could return during next year’s legislative session.<\/p>\n
For patient advocate Timothy Sneed, the legislature’s decision brings a sense of relief after months of uncertainty about how people would continue paying for life-saving HIV medications.<\/p>\n
“Without the funding, it just would’ve been virtually impossible, you know, to keep up, you know, with what I needed or what anyone else would need it for,” Sneed said.<\/p>\n
In January, the Florida Department of Health reduced patient income eligibility to 130-percent of the federal poverty level, ended the insurance premium assistance program, and removed two commonly used HIV medications from coverage. Those changes triggered statewide outcry<\/a>, and according to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, thousands of people lost access to medications or insurance assistance.<\/p>\n “Those medications can be up into the thousands of dollars,” Sneed said.<\/p>\n The state’s new budget plan directs the Florida Department of Health to maintain access to HIV medications without formulary restrictions and continue direct medication dispense services with a 21,000-patient cap. However, the insurance premium assistance program was not restored.<\/p>\n David Poole, a consultant with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said the budget passage was not a total win for Floridians dealing with HIV\/AIDS.<\/p>\n “This day is important but also concerning because that restoration is not 100-percent. Premium assistance is the single biggest part that is not being restored at the AIDS Drug Assistance Program,” Poole said.<\/p>\n The governor has the ability to veto any item in the budget. If he signs the spending plan, the new funding would take effect July 1.<\/p>\n This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n