General Assembly Approves Increased Funding for HIV Testing, AIDS Drug Assistance Program

Springfield, IL—The Illinois General Assembly adjourned late on Saturday, May 31, after approving a fiscal year 2009 state budget that provides $1.5 million in new funding for HIV testing and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).

However, legislative leaders acknowledged that the overall state budget exceeds revenues by more than $1 billion. Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich called on legislative leaders to meet with him this week to decide how to balance the state’s 2009 budget. The state’s 2009 fiscal year begins on July 1, 2009.

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is concerned that budget negotiations could put in jeopardy the $1.5 million added to the budget for expansion of HIV-related services. In addition, AFC will closely monitor public health and human service negotiations to prevent funding reductions for other essential services important to people with or at risk for HIV. Last year, wrangling over the FY08 budget resulted in the governor amendatorily vetoing more than $1 million in new HIV-related funding.

“The General Assembly deserves tremendous credit for increasing HIV/AIDS funding in a tight budget year,” said Mark Ishaug, President/CEO of AFC. “We call on the governor and legislative leaders to finalize the budget as soon as possible and protect all HIV prevention and care services.”

AFC extends its thanks to Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones, and lead budget negotiators Sen. Donne Trotter and Rep. Gary Hannig for including the proposed HIV funding increases in the General Assembly’s budget. AFC especially thanks the lead champions of the HIV funding increases, State Reps. Sara Feigenholtz and Greg Harris.

Of the new funding, $500,000 will be used to implement a new HIV testing law, P.L. 95-7, that became effective June 1. Illinois is among the first states in the nation to fund implementation of HIV testing in health care settings in response to the CDC recommendations. With the new funding, Illinois health care providers will be able to identify many of the estimated 10,000 Illinoisans who are HIV-positive but do not know it.

In addition, $1 million will be used to expand ADAP eligibility to 500% of the federal poverty level, or $52,000 for a single individual. HIV-positive state residents must currently document income at or below 400% of federal poverty, among other eligibility requirements. Many people living with HIV who are currently ineligible for ADAP struggle to afford HIV medications, which can cost $1,200 per month. The 400% income cap forces some people with HIV to work fewer hours so they can remain on ADAP.

Later this month, AFC will release a final report on HIV-related legislation.

AFC's State Legislative News Page

Illinois General Assembly