On behalf of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, we respectfully submit this testimony in support of increased funding for domestic HIV and hepatitis programs in the FY 2023 Labor, HHS spending bill. The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute is a leading HIV and hepatitis policy organization promoting quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions.
Letter in support of HIV and hepatitis provisions in the “Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022” (H.R. 7666)
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, 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, is pleased to offer comments in support of the HIV and viral hepatitis provisions included in the “Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022” (HR 7666). This bipartisan bill introduced by Chairman Frank Pallone and Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers reauthorizes key Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs to address the national mental health and substance use disorder crises. The subcommittee is expected to consider the bill tomorrow.
Comments on draft hepatitis federal implementation plan
We cannot achieve the goal of ending hepatitis without increased funding for the key elements of the strategy, including testing, treating, and vaccination. Increasing resources for hepatitis elimination must be our first priority. While this draft hepatitis federal implementation plan was drafted with current resources in mind, there are areas where we would suggest some strengthening.
Letter in support of holding a hearing on Michigan HB 4353
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute strongly supports Michigan House Bill 43534, which would require health insurers to accept and count payments made on behalf of patients towards deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums and ask that you conduct a hearing on the bill as soon as possible.
Testimony on Senate FY22 appropriations for HIV and hepatitis programs
As our country continues to respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted HIV and hepatitis services, we know we have the science to end two other infectious diseases that have been impacting our country for decades: HIV and hepatitis C. While there still is no cure or vaccine for HIV, we have preventive tools along with treatments that suppress the virus, and together can bring the number of new infections down to a point that we can end HIV.