AIDS drug assistance funding may be increased

North Carolina has long been one of the worst states in the nation at providing assistance to poor people who need to purchase life-saving AIDS drugs. But according to this article, that may be about to change here.

North Carolina currently limits eligibility for its AIDS Drug Assistance Program to those who have annual incomes of no more than 125% of the federal poverty line. This means that those who earn $12,000 per year cannot qualify for assistance in purchasing drugs that cost around $13,000 a year, which makes no sense.

A proposal is gaining steam in N.C. to double the eligibility level (thus bringing the state more in line with its neighbors) and U.S. Sen. Richard Burr is advocating for increased federal money to support North Carolina's ADAP.

The AIDS epidemic is only getting worse for the poor in the South. Here's a chance to begin to at least fund medication for those who are already sick.

Better funding for prevention will be the topic of a future post!