Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
ADAP Shortfall Relief - The District of Columbia AIDS Drug Assistance Program (DC Health Pharmacy Benefits Program, PBP) is a critical program providing prescription drug coverage and health insurance assistance to low-income DC residents with HIV. The program faces increasing financial pressure due to rising drug costs, higher premium assistance expenditures, and the need for workflow improvements. The ADAP Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) will support improvements to the PBP’s administrative efficiency, expansion of access to HIV treatment, accommodation of address increased client utilization and treatment needs, and efforts to ensure rapid re-engagement in care. Washington, DC, with a population of 678,972 residents, has a diverse demographic profile, including a substantial Black population and a growing Hispanic population. Approximately 11,670 people in DC are living with HIV, with the epidemic disproportionately affecting Black, non-Hispanic individuals, men, and those aged 50 and older. As the state ADAP, the DC Health Pharmacy Benefits Program provides essential medication and insurance assistance to low-income residents with HIV. Key environmental factors impacting the program include rising drug costs, increasing client demand, limited resources, and reductions in local financial support. The PBP requires additional resources to address the growing demand for HIV medications, rising drug prices, increased premium assistance expenditures, and workflow improvements. These funds will prevent the need for a waiting list, address funding shortfalls, and meet the increasing treatment needs of clients. Specifically, the ADAP ERF will be used to: • Enhance administrative efficiencies within the PBP • Expand access to HIV treatment • Address increased client utilization and treatment needs • Ensure rapid re-engagement in care • Improve the online portal for application submission and enhance client data capture • Expand the pharmacy network to improve access to HIV medications • Support innovative strategies, including expanded assistance for health insurance premiums and cost-sharing
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).