For weeks, thousands of Floridians living with HIV were left in limbo, unsure whether they would be able to get the medication they rely on to stay healthy. Now, the state has restored access to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, or ADAP, at least for now.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed emergency legislation restoring HIV medication access for more than 12,000 Floridians affected by recent changes to the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
The legislation provides $30.9 million in emergency bridge funding through June 30, 2026, restores ADAP eligibility to 400% of the federal poverty level, and requires the Florida Department of Health to submit monthly financial reports to legislative leadership beginning April 1.
The move follows weeks of concern and backlash after the Department of Health cut ADAP eligibility from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level on March 1, eliminated health insurance premium assistance, and removed Biktarvy from the program’s formulary.
“For 10 weeks, 12,000 Floridians living with HIV did not know if they could fill their next prescription. Today, they can,” Esteban Wood, director of advocacy and legislative affairs at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said in a statement.
The legislation restores direct distribution of medication to eligible individuals.
It also requires the Department of Health to issue monthly reports detailing federal revenues and expenditures, including manufacturer rebates, enrollment by county and insurance status, prescription utilization by drug class, and any projected funding shortfalls.
Advocates say the decision reflects weeks of pressure from patients, providers, legal advocates, and community members.
“This decision proves what happens when our community comes together to fight for people in need,” Maxx Fenning, executive director of PRISM, said in a statement. “From the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s tireless work in the courts, to PRISM making sure Floridians were informed every step of the way, to patients, doctors, parents, and community advocates showing up to tell their stories, this win is for all of us.”
PRISM works to expand access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida.
Still, the legislation is temporary.
The bridge funding and restored eligibility expire June 30. The long-term future of the program will be determined through the state’s 2026-27 budget process.
The legislation also does not appear to restore premium assistance or return Biktarvy to the formulary, two changes advocates have said remain significant for patient care.
For now, though, the law marks a major step toward restoring access to life-saving HIV treatment in Florida.
