New York City HIV
spending topped $190 million in fiscal 2004

Spending by the New York City HIV/AIDS Services Administration on treatment and support services for HIV-positive city residents topped $190 million in fiscal 2004, more than $75 million more than the amount spent in 1999, Newsday reports. The city spent $193 million for HIV programs last year, up from $117 million in 1999. The increased spending is due in part to the success of antiretroviral drugs in prolonging the lives of HIV-positive people, according to a report prepared by the New York City Independent Budget Office. Increased needs for public assistance, housing services, case management, home health care visits, and hospital visits also resulted in increased city spending. The city's HIV/AIDS Services Administration currently handles more than 30,000 HIV cases, according to health officials. New York City is estimated to be home to more than 100,000 HIV-positive people--about 10% of all HIV-positive Americans.