ADAP Update

As prepared by Kathryn Schley, MSW Intern, NASW-NC.

As of October 1, 2007 the financial eligibility criterion for the NC ADAP will increase to a gross family income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL); $25,525 for a single person and $34,225 for a family of two. This news is a great success for NC’s HIV community. Historically, NC has paled in comparison to other state ADAPs, with some states doubling, even tripling the financial eligibility criterion. In 2004, NC was 50th in the nation in ADAP financial eligibility at 125% FPL with over 700 North Carolinians on waiting list to receive the life sustaining medications ADAP provides.
The increase to 250% FPL brings NC closer to parity with neighboring states, Tennessee, SC, and Virginia, all having a 300% eligibility criterion.
This increase is a result of hard work and advocacy from members of HIV community throughout the state. The improvement will certainly make a difference in the lives of many North Carolinians living with HIV/AIDS who previously did not qualify for ADAP, but could not afford the expensive anti-retroviral medications.