March 26, 2026
Advocates at AIDS Watch Fight One Battle After Another
Proposed state AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) overhauls pose a significant risk to hard-earned HIV progress and jeopardize the fundamental reliable access to lifesaving care that every individual at risk for HIV deserves.
Amidst this intense backdrop, advocates gathered at the nation’s capital for this year’s AIDS Watch. While the 2025 AIDS Watch platform primarily addressed essential funding, foundational coverage, and HOPWA, the focus of AIDS Watch 2026 shifted toward defending against urgent threats to care access, specifically, the expiration of premium tax credits, cost-containment measures by states and overall attacks on the health care system.
While advocates celebrated a significant victory as Congress rejected nearly $2 billion in proposed cuts for FY 2026, the 2026 theme, “Defending Progress, Demanding Justice,” prompted advocates to concentrate on countering political assaults amid the added pressure of state-level constraints on HIV programs and Medicaid funding, as shown by KFF’s recent Policy Watch.
One of the significant highlights of this year’s AIDS Watch took place on Tuesday. Long-term HIV survivors, health care providers, advocates, and faith leaders came together for a symbolic funeral protest and a celebration of life service. This gathering focused attention on the increasing instability in funding for HIV prevention and care, as well as its implications for the nation’s health care infrastructure.
Finally, advocates focused the attention of legislators on reports that tens of thousands of Americans were losing access to treatment as nearly 20 states tightened requirements for ADAP.
We encourage Academy members in all state and regional chapters and committees to continue this focused engagement in local implementation of health laws ensuring effective HIV and treatment. For help in that regard, please reach out to us at chauncey@aahivm.org.
ACADEMY HAPPENINGS
Florida ADAP Funding
The Academy celebrates Florida’s HB 697 which includes $31 million in funding to continue ADAP eligibility for people whose incomes are up to 400 percent of Federal Poverty Level through June 30, 2026, in addition to cost sharing assistance for people with Medicare or private insurance coverage. In the meantime, please share this resource showing options for Florida ADAP Enrollees.
Needs Assessment Survey
The Academy Council for Racial Equity subcommittee on Health Professionals Support & Resource Network has designed a needs assessment survey for difficult times like these. Please take advantage of this resource designed to help shape support resources for AAHIVM members. This survey will close on March 29.
SIGN-ONS
Letter to HHS Urging Funding for HIV Prevention
On March 9, the Academy joined AIDS United Policy PPC members by signing on to this letter to members of Congress urging the Department of Health and Human Services to extend the funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Comprehensive High-Impact HIV Prevention Projects for Community-Based Organizations PS21-2102 grants until a new RFP/NOFO process has been completed.
Letter Supporting FY2027 Funding for Loan Repayment
On March 13, the Academy joined the National Association of County and City Health Offices (NACCHO) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) by signing the Congressional letter supporting FY 2027 funding for the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program and the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program (loan repayment for infectious disease/ HIV health professionals).
RESOURCES
Save HIV Funding Toolkit
This Save HIV Funding toolkit is designed for fast, clear communication with reporters, producers, policymakers and the public. It explains what’s happening with ADAP, why it matters, how people fall out of care in real life, and how to cover the story accurately and with urgency.
NASTAD ADAP Brief
This NASTAD issue brief outlines the major threats, their potential impact on ADAP operations, and strategies already under consideration in several states to preserve program viability and continuity of care.
