Emergency Rule Reduces HIV Medication Access
NEWS OVERVIEW:
Florida’s Department of Health enacted an emergency rule reducing eligibility for its AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Income limits dropped from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level, potentially restricting access for thousands. Officials cite rising costs and a projected $120 million shortfall as the reason for the changes.
Some details for the context:
- The new rule limits eligibility to individuals earning at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, about $20,345 annually for one person.
- Previous eligibility allowed enrollment up to 400% of poverty, roughly $62,600 per year for a single-person household.
- Advocates estimate up to 16,000 of the 30,000 Floridians enrolled in ADAP could face restricted medication access.
- The emergency rule lasts 90 days and cannot be renewed without formal administrative rulemaking.
- Officials say the changes address rising insurance premiums and prevent a projected budget gap exceeding $120 million.