Oppose domestic HIV programs cuts of over $541 million in Labor HHS approps. bill

Dear Members of the Committee on Appropriations:

As you consider the FY25 Labor HHS Appropriations measure, the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute urges you to oppose the over $541 million in cuts to HIV domestic prevention and treatment programs, massive cuts to other related programs, and the many damaging social policy riders that are directed to communities most impacted by HIV. 

Like last year, the House bill cuts the entire Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative, which was launched by former President Trump and continued under President Biden. Additionally, there are cuts to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and Minority AIDS programs at SAMHSA and HHS.  Through the combination of enhanced prevention and treatment programs, HIV cases are going down and saving the healthcare system billions of dollars. Between 2008 and 2022, HIV incidence decreased by 23 percent and averted over $33 billion in healthcare costs. In the South, where over half of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative priority jurisdictions are located, estimated new HIV infections decreased 16 percent between 2018 and 2022

Through the additional Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative funding:

• The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program has brought nearly 38,000 people into care for the first time or back into care.
• CDC has distributed 518,000 free HIV self-test kits and its grantees have conducted 831,000 HIV tests.
• HRSA’s Community Health Centers have provided PrEP to 85,000 people at 411 health centers in 29 states.

On a positive note, while it is still far from what is needed, the bill increases funding for CDC’s Hepatitis Division by $10 million for a total of $53 million in order to increase awareness, testing, and vaccination programs.

HIV+Hep is pleased the Committee included report language pertaining to the Medicare Part D drug benefit that asks for studies on the increased use of utilization management and implementation of the new smoothing mechanism of patient costs, which will become effective January 1st.

There are currently over 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States and approximately 32,000 new diagnoses annually, with only 65 percent of people virally suppressed and only 36 percent of the people who would benefit from PrEP on it. While we are making progress, racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic disparities persist, and continued investments are needed to reduce new infections and bring more people into care and treatment.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via phone at (202) 462-3042 or email at cschmid@hivhep.org.

Sincerely,

Carl E. Schmid II
Executive Director