TRENTON — Some 950 HIV-positive patients in New Jersey will soon no longer receive free AIDS medications, according to a report on NorthJersey.com. The new budget enacted this month will change income eligibility from $54,150 to $32,490 on Aug. 1. More than 35,000 people in New Jersey are living with HIV or AIDS. The state medication program enrolled 7,645...
Dr. Susan Walsh, the state Department of Health and Senior Services' deputy commissioner TRENTON — Some 950 HIV-positive patients in New Jersey will soon no longer receive free AIDS medications, according to a report on NorthJersey.com.
The new budget enacted this month will change income eligibility from $54,150 to $32,490 on Aug. 1. More than 35,000 people in New Jersey are living with HIV or AIDS.
The state medication program enrolled 7,645 people last year. Most are uninsured. Nearly half are African-Americans and 27 percent are Latinos.
Deputy Health Commissioner Susan Walsh said New Jersey had been one of only five states to extend eligibility to those up to five times the federal poverty level. Walsh said the new income restrictions bring New Jersey into line with 28 other states.
Hyacinth Foundation director Kathy Ahearn-O'Brien said the change may force patients to quit their jobs to stay in treatment.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Dems to ask Gov. Christie to restore $400M in funding for AIDS patients, students