The Democratic National Committee issued a statement this week responding to warnings that thousands of Floridians could lose access to life-saving HIV medication. 

“Cruelty is a feature and not a bug of the Trump administration. In the latest attack on the LGBTQ+ community, Donald Trump and Florida Republicans are ripping away life-saving HIV medication from over 10,000 Floridians because they refuse to extend enhanced ACA tax credits,” said Albert Fujii, a DNC Spokesperson, in a statement shared with OutSFL.  

“While Donald Trump and his allies continue to make clear that they don’t give a damn about millions of Americans and our community, Democrats will keep fighting to protect health care for LGBTQ+ Americans across the country,” Fujii added.  

The statement follows ongoing concern about potential disruptions to HIV medication access in Florida as the state plans major changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), a key safety net for people living with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured. These disruptions in medication access can carry serious consequences of health and viral suppression as Florida is one of the leading states for HIV cases in the country.  

As previously reported by OutSFL, Florida’s Department of Health says it is overhauling ADAP to address a projected budget shortfall, with changes expected to begin March 1, after a transition period.  

Advocates and providers stress that people living with HIV should not stop taking medication and should contact their clinic, case manager, or local HIV service organization as soon as possible to verify eligibility and plan for continuity of care.