Thirteen State ADAPs Have Waiting Lists, Access Restrictions; 1,263 People on Waiting Lists, NASTAD Says
Thirteen states as of this month have waiting lists or access restrictions on their AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, according to the latest "ADAP Watch" released on Thursday by the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, according to a NASTAD press release (NASTAD release, 4/8). ADAPs -- which are funded with both state and federal money -- provide HIV/AIDS-related medications to low-income, uninsured and underinsured HIV-positive individuals (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 4/7). According to the "ADAP Watch," Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington and West Virginia have waiting lists and/or access restrictions. The number of people currently on waiting lists has increased from 791 in January to 1,263 people this month. According to NASTAD, Alabama, California, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas are anticipating new or additional restrictions during fiscal year 2004, which ends March 31, 2005. "The number of people on waiting lists for medications in the United States is unconscionable," NASTAD Executive Director Julie Scofield said, adding, "We're shocked at this increase and worry that the number of people on waiting lists will continue to grow" (NASTAD release, 4/8).
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