As a policy and advocacy organization we work to ensure there are the proper policies, programs, and funding to implement the Strategic Plans. We also refer to them in our work with the Congress, media, and the public to help educate them on the strategic plans and national goals included in each of the plans. We use them to measure our progress in meeting the goals. We not only use them to advocate before the Congress but also within government agencies and leadership to hold them accountable to ensure the goals are reached and that proper policies and programs are in place with sufficient funding.
Comments to Washington Prescription Drug Affordability Board on HIV treatment and cost of care
While patients currently have access to free or affordable HIV medications through various avenues, we are concerned that setting an arbitrarily low price for these treatments could negatively impact future drug development and reduce manufacturers’ willingness to continue providing medications to millions of people in underdeveloped and underserved nations. It is essential that manufacturers have the necessary incentives to invest in research and development, enabling the creation of longer-acting treatments, preventive drugs, vaccines, and potentially even a cure for the virus. Overlooking the impact of current assistance programs on HIV treatment affordability, as well as mandating alternative drug options, disregards the nuances of HIV care and the unique requirements of each patient.
Letter on MassHealth coverage of long-acting injectable PrEP
A number of Massachusetts-based providers, community-based organizations and clinical sites joined us in writing to you in August 2022 to express our concern that MassHealth had not yet added cabotegravir, a new long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, to its formulary, and to urge MassHealth to make sure it is available without any barriers to access, such as utilization management or prior authorization requirements. (A copy of the August letter is attached.)
Comments on proposed national elimination plan for hepatitis C
HIV+Hep offered comments on the proposed national elimination plan for hepatitis C, asking how the initiative would be funded and authorized, where the initiative would be housed, and why there is a need for the government to purchase medications.
HIV/AIDS groups letter in support of MassHealth making injectable long-acting PrEP available without barriers
HIV/AIDS groups are concerned that MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) has not yet added cabotegravir, a new long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, to its formulary. We urge MassHealth to make sure injectable long-acting cabotegravir as PrEP is available on formulary without any barriers to access, such as utilization management or prior authorization requirements.