The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Virginia State AIDS Drug Assistance Program

Those living with HIV and living in Virginia will most likely not receive financial assistance for their incredibly expensive medications. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) crisis continues.

As we recently reported, Virginia's ADAP is one of many within our nation that has slashed its funding. Currently, there are 760 HIV-positive, uninsured Virginia residents who were kicked off the program in December 2010. In addition, enrollment was closed to most new clients, including those clients whose immune systems are strong enough (high T-cell count) to not be at immediate risk of disease progression. Once again, Virginia health officials seem to miss the whole point of these vital medications: that they are the very method to prevent disease progression.

Sure, an HIV-positive person with a higher T-cell count may not be at an "immediate risk" of further health issues now, yet with time and without medications their disease will progress and will become life-threatening.

Virginia state officials also stated at the time that those clients who were dis-enrolled would be connected with financial assistance through other programs and entities. Yet those on the front lines of HIV care state that this is just not happening. In fact, many clients are not receiving any care and treatment at all. It seems there are too many barriers that an uninsured, HIV-positive individual confronts with accessing alternate forms of care. Many disenfranchised clients are already faced with a tremendous amount of obstacles in navigating the health care system (i.e., lack of insurance, limited facilities that provide care, transportation, child care, employment issues, etc.). To then have to face additional red tape and paperwork to access alternate forms of treatment can be disastrous.

Unfortunately, Virginia may be experiencing a conflict in theory versus practice.

In somewhat good news: Governor Bob McDonnell has proposed an increase in state funding for ADAP in 2012. This is a promising move in the right direction, yet will it be too late? This is a whole year until funding may be re-instated. Those who are not at an "immediate risk" now may become very ill in that time.

This is an example of government moving at government pace, not at the pace of medical issues. No one can predict just how fast a person's HIV disease will progress. For some, it may be years; for others, much less time. Is this a risk we are all willing to take? It is incredibly inhumane to gamble with the health and the life of any HIV-positive individual.

We can't wait for legislation and red tape; we need change now. Tell Virginia State officials to show their love for HIV-positive residents.

Photo Credit: Jo Naylor