While we share a commitment to addressing the high cost of prescription drugs, we have significant concerns with HB483 that creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). We believe it will not translate into lower drug costs for patients and may dampen future drug development.
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute submits this comment in support of HRSA’s proposed documentation and registration updates for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) grantees and subgrantees participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. STI clinics are a key setting for HIV testing and prevention services, including PrEP and PEP, as well as for testing and treatment for viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis C. As longstanding advocates for the 340B program, we believe strong oversight and clear documentation are critical to preserving its integrity and ensuring it continues to serve its core mission: supporting safety net providers and expanding access to care for low-income and underserved populations, including people with or at risk of HIV and hepatitis.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on new guidance the Department of Health and Human Services has issued on the interpretation of “federal public benefits” under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). We oppose any changes that limit access to testing, treatment, and prevention for communicable diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. New limits on access by “non-qualified” immigrants to healthcare for the testing, treatment, or prevention of communicable disease endanger not just those individuals, but by allowing communicable diseases to go undiagnosed, untreated, and unprevented, increase transmission, raise prevalence, and endanger the health of everyone in the United States.
We the undersigned 23 organizations urge you to protect and, if possible, increase funding for domestic viral hepatitis programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At a time when we have tools including vaccines and curative treatments that can help eliminate viral hepatitis in the United States, we express our grave concern with the President’s FY 2026 budget request that eliminates $43 million in dedicated funding for hepatitis prevention. Instead, it proposes a $300 million block grant to states that would also include STD and tuberculosis prevention.
We the undersigned 22 organizations urge you to protect and, if possible, increase funding for domestic viral hepatitis programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At a time when we have tools including vaccines and curative treatments that can help eliminate viral hepatitis in the United States, we express our grave concern with the President’s FY 2026 budget request that eliminates $43 million in dedicated funding for hepatitis prevention. Instead, it proposes a $300 million block grant to states that would also include STD and tuberculosis prevention.