April 25, 2012

Medicaid Cuts Proposed to Once-a-Day HIV Pills in Illinois

A proposed service cut to Medicaid may make it more difficult for people living with HIV to access once-a-day combination pills, according to a statement released by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). The AFC has warned that the budget recommendations will create barriers to care and ultimately raise health care costs—research shows that people with HIV who need to take one pill a day are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, which results in healthier patients and fewer hospitalizations. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has proposed instituting prior authorization for combo HIV meds, meaning people will have to wait days before they obtain medication. The AFC is asking the governor and the General Assembly to vote down the proposal as well any reduction in community-based services.

To read the AIDS Foundation of Chicago statement, click here.

Search: Medicaid, HIV, AIDS, Illinois, pills, medication, adherence, treatment

Scroll down to comment on this story.