The Illinois
senate on Monday unanimously passed a bill that helps
low-income and HIV-positive Medicare beneficiaries pay for
medications through the new Medicare prescription drug
plan. Under the measure, all HIV-positive residents
eligible for the Medicare drug plan will be shifted to
it from all other state programs offering prescription
drugs, including the state's AIDS Drug
Assistance Program. This will help offset an
anticipated $3 million ADAP shortfall next year, officials
say, by leaving ADAP only for HIV patients who have no
other access to antiretroviral drugs. Those who are
moved to Medicare will receive assistance with the
copayments for medications and enrollment fees.
The bill, which
already passed the state house, now goes to Gov. Rod
Blagojevich, who has pledged to sign it. If signed into law,
it will take effect January 1. (The Advocate)