Thousands On HIV Drugs Desperate Amid Budget Woes

[The Straight Story]

Thousands On HIV Drugs Desperate Amid Budget Woes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Cash-strapped states are cutting back on a program that provides free medicine to people with HIV and leaving thousands of patients to wonder where their drugs will come from.

At least 19 states have taken such steps as capping enrollment, dropping patients, instituting waiting lists, lowering the income ceiling for eligibility, and no longer covering certain drugs or tests.

Advocates say more than 4,500 people are on waiting lists and hundreds have been dropped from programs because of lower income limits. Others can't get drugs for the symptoms of HIV treatment.

Many can get medications through drug companies, but advocates say that's not reliable and are calling for $100 million more in federal money.

http://www.clickorlando.com/health/26156356/detail.html

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1. Charles dickens - and this news at Christmas time.

Billionaires richer than ever and sick people need pills.