Is the AIDS Drug Assistance Program Being Tea-Bagged by Tea Party?

It's not a question as to whether or not the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) works, or if it is necessary. The program has been credited with saving thousands of lives by providing access to life sustaining antiretroviral drugs and other medications to treat HIV-related infections.

But that program has also had a tenuous existence, with thousands of people being placed on waiting lists as funds dry up. And as the country continues to struggle with record unemployment, a collapsed economy, a housing market in the crapper and more economic woes than a Charles Dickens novel, ADAP programs have also suffered the wrath of the whims of politicos.

The ADAP Advocacy Association reports that as of May 21, 10 states had a combined total of 1,143 people on waiting lists for access to HIV medications. The group further reports another 10 states have reduced the number and kinds of medications they are offering. And another 10 states are considering additional ADAP restrictions.

Here in Michigan, I have reported that the state spends $25,706,742 to cover some 2,800 HIV-positive individuals with ADAP. State officials say that comes out to be just about $13,000 per person using ADAP. Of that money, $5.6 million comes from state coffers, and $6.5 million is realized in rebate programs from drug companies. The remainder of Michigan's estimated 18,000 HIV-positives are receiving medications through private insurance or Medicaid.

But the reality across the country is grim. Utah and South Carolina have debated ending ADAP programs. And the ADAP Advocacy Association says without a necessary influx of $126 million this fiscal year, many states are at risk of further limiting or eliminating altogether, access to HIV related medications.

Even Sir Elton John has lamented the ADAP funding woes.

Ah, but Congress is wavering on the emergency spending. Why? The fear of the literal tempest in a teapot brewing across the nation — the Tea Party and its calls to reign in government spending in the wake of billions of dollars spent to bail out the floundering banking industry and auto industry, plus billions spent on the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funds to try to stabilize America's floundering economy. ARRA has been marginally successful in creating jobs and investing in things like roadways, while the bank bailout has resulted in very little relief from the foreclosure crisis, the credit crunch and more, while bankers have pocketed massive bonuses.

The anger from the Tea Party crowd is real, and politicians looking election day down the barrel are not keen to raise the wrath of the Tea Party. As a result, proposals to fund ADAP with the emergency funding are falling flat. A Democratic proposal can't find Republican backers. A GOP plan would take the money from ARRA unrestricted funds, but is being met with resistance from the President and Congressional Democratic leaders, reports the Washington Blade.

The Obama Administration says ARRA money should be used to shore up the economy by providing jobs. But how will a person with HIV be able to stay healthy to compete in this tough economy, if they don't have access to the medications that can save their lives? Isn't combating HIV an economic and budget issue, as well as a humanitarian issue?

Photo credit: sfxeric