October 16, 2009

House Energy and Commerce Panel Approves Bill To Extend Ryan White Program

A bill to extend the Ryan White CARE Act, which was set to expire on October 30, was sent to the House of Representatives floor October 15 after being approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, The Wall Street Journal reports (subscription required).

The federal program—which has provided assistance to low-income and uninsured Americans living with HIV/AIDS since 1990—would receive about $2.5 billion annually through this legislation through the 2013 fiscal year. About 500,000 people receive services through Ryan White each year.

According to the article, passage of this bill could have significant impact on positive people living in certain parts of New Jersey, California, Puerto Rico and New York. Since funding allocation is determined by HIV/AIDS prevalence, certain areas of those states could lose eligibility for assistance by 2011. This bill will allow towns in these states to continue receiving funds if they meet certain criteria.

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Dab Garner, Jacksonville, 2009-10-20 21:16:38
Dab the AIDS Bear wanted to let you everyone know the Senate passed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 (S. 1793) last night be by unanimous consent. An identical bill in the House (H.R. 3792) is scheduled for the unanimous consent calendar for action on Wednesday. Then on to the President! We’re almost there. big bear hug, Daddy Dab and Dab the AIDS Bea