Nine states
currently have waiting lists for their AIDS Drug Assistance
Programs, with nearly 2,200 low-income HIV-positive people
now waiting for access to lifesaving antiretroviral
treatment, according to a report issued Wednesday by
the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS
Directors. A total of 22 states have implemented waiting
lists or other cost-containment measures for their
ADAPs, or are considering such measures, according to
the report. The nine states with ADAP waiting lists
are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana,
Nebraska, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Other
cost-containment measures, such as cutting the number
of medications provided or tightening program access
requirements, have been implemented in Alabama, Arkansas,
Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
Six states also are considering additional or new ADAP
restrictions during the 2005 fiscal year, which ends March
31, 2006: Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. (Advocate.com)