Florida Cuts Off HIV Meds for 12,000 Ahead of Lawsuit
Florida’s Department of Health has abruptly cut off approximately 12,000 HIV patients from affordable medication by enacting new eligibility limitations for its AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This move, described by critics as “legal subterfuge,” drastically reduces the income threshold for assistance from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level, leaving many low-income individuals in shock and scrambling for access to lifesaving treatment. The Department cites funding shortages as the reason, while advocates and legal representatives contest the use of an emergency rule, arguing there was no immediate public health threat to justify such sudden changes. AIDS Healthcare Foundation is actively challenging this decision, vowing to fight the eligibility cuts with urgency.
John Q. Hosedrinker