Red ribbons are used to raise awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS (Canva)
Florida health officials have reportedly paused plans to drastically restrict access to the state’s AIDS drug assistance program after advocates filed a legal challenge.
In early January, the Florida Department of Health proposed reducing ADAP income eligibility from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level, which could cut off access to lifesaving HIV drugs for an estimated 16,000 people, according to an analysis by the National Bureau of State and Territorial AIDS Commissioners.
In response, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation filed a complaint with the Florida Administrative Hearing Board, alleging that Florida did not follow the required rulemaking process in adopting the new standards.
Read more: HIV-positive men kiss-in next to President Trump’s border wall to mark World AIDS Day
The nonprofit also filed a second lawsuit on Monday (Feb. 2) seeking public records related to the “undocumented $120 million budget shortfall” cited as a motivation for the proposal.
The Florida Department of Health now reportedly appears to be backtracking from its March 1 deadline. WJHG.
It also issued a notice stating that the changes would go through a formal public process.
Supporters say the moratorium opens the door for more public input and transparency about the state’s alleged $120 million budget shortfall.
The proposed cuts to ADAP come after the Trump administration moved last year to cut domestic and international HIV/AIDS funding, primarily by dismantling the USAID program.
Please share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments section below. Please keep the conversation respectful.
Source: PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news – www.thepinknews.com
