HIV+Hep welcomes new HHS Secretary

Encouraged by Commitment to Continue President Trump’s Work to Eradicate HIV/AIDS

Washington, D.C… 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, welcomes the Senate confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s next Secretary of Health and Human Services.

“We stand ready to work with Secretary Kennedy as he and President Trump seek to improve the health of the American people. Ending infectious and chronic diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, must be a vital component in the administration’s initiatives,” commented Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. “We were pleased that Kennedy went on record during his confirmation process and stated, ‘I look forward to continuing the good work that President Trump did in his pursuit to eradicate HIV/AIDS.’”

As part of his first term President Trump launched the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, which accelerates HIV testing, treatment, and prevention programs, including PrEP, and provides leadership, coordination, and increased funding, initially in the 57 jurisdictions most impacted by HIV. 

In his responses to questions from Senators, RFK Jr. stated that he “believes HIV causes AIDS,” and supports funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and “all appropriate prevention programs, including those which include pre-exposure prophylaxis.”

Schmid added, “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.”

Ending HIV, hepatitis, and so many other illnesses will also require access to affordable prescription drugs. We look forward to working with the administration on such issues as PBM and 340B reform. Secretary Kennedy can immediately lower the amount the American people pay for their medications by complying with a federal court order that requires insurers and PBMs to count prescription drug copay assistance towards patient out-of-pockets costs. The Biden administration refused to enforce it, thus allowing insurers to charge billions in additional dollars from patients. We know President Trump is directing federal agencies to take steps to lower costs for the American people. This should be one of them.

The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute recently submitted suggested questions to the Senate Finance Committee as they consider the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz as CMS Administrator and looks forward to his upcoming hearing.

# # #

The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute is a national, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions.