To deliver on the promise of eradicating HIV will require a commitment to science, properly funded public health treatment and prevention programs, and policies that support all populations impacted by HIV. It will also require access to affordable and comprehensive health coverage, including private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, a leading national HIV and hepatitis policy organization promoting quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk for HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions, is urging senators to ensure that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, will uphold a commitment to science, public health, and ending HIV through robust research, treatment, and prevention programs.
“In the closing days of this administration they must do the right and very simple thing to help patients afford their prescription drugs—tell insurers that they must comply with the Court decision,” commented Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. “They have been disregarding the law for over a year, haven’t issued a promised new rule, and time is running out. They need to stop siding with the powerful insurers and their PBMs, and instead side with patients.”
“Every day these rules are delayed is another day that insurers and PBMs are pocketing billions of dollars meant for patients who are struggling to afford their drugs,” commented Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. “Coming from an administration that prides itself on supporting patients and lowering their prescription drug costs, this is a huge disappointment. While they have gone on record that they will issue these rules, the clock is ticking and there isn’t much time left.”
“We sincerely thank Senate Labor HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Tammy Baldwin and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito and their colleagues for demonstrating their continued commitment to ending HIV in the United States. While working within the confines of an extremely restrictive budget, they crafted a spending bill that prioritizes the domestic response to HIV,” commented Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. “However, given that the House version of the bill includes sizeable funding cuts, program eliminations and divisive policy riders, we realize passage of this spending bill is far from reality. House Republicans must come to the table and support bills, such as this one, that can pass the Congress and be signed by the President.”