Recession Sends AIDS Funding to the Poor House

A new report indicates that a slumping economy may have a major impact on HIVers who have been receiving government aid. The report, released by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, reports that recent funding increases for AIDS drug assistance programs might be threatened as states find less room in their budgets for assistance. Indiana, Montana, and Nebraska already have created waiting lists with 62 individuals on them. The report suggests these states also may trim costs by removing drugs from their formularies or tightening financial eligibility. Seven other states indicated that budget shortfalls might force the implementation of cost-containment measures by March 2010.