Overview
- Florida plans to lower AIDS Drug Assistance Program income eligibility from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level, with implementation set for March 1.
- AHF filed a petition with the state Division of Administrative Hearings seeking to halt the change, alleging the Department of Health bypassed legally required procedures.
- Advocates and NASTAD estimate more than 16,000 Floridians could lose coverage, with assistance for premiums and the widely used medication Biktarvy also ending.
- State officials cite a projected $120 million shortfall, with Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo pointing to rising costs tied to the lapse of ACA premium tax credits.
- Protests organized by AHF and local providers were held outside Department of Health offices in St. Petersburg and Orlando, while the agency has not responded to new questions from reporters.