ADAP Advocacy Opposes Inclusion of HIV Treatments in Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program

ADAP Advocacy has raised concerns over the potential inclusion of HIV antiretroviral therapies in the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, arguing that such a move could severely impact individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The organization has submitted public comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging for a carve-out to safeguard these crucial medications. According to Brandon M. Macsata, CEO of ADAP Advocacy, any disruption in access to HIV treatments could have dire consequences, including treatment discontinuation, higher mortality rates from opportunistic infections, and the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains.

The advocacy group's position is based on the 'treatment as prevention' approach, which plays a vital role in combating HIV by improving health outcomes for individuals and reducing the virus's transmission and related healthcare expenses. ADAP Advocacy's detailed testimony to CMS underscores the importance of maintaining uninterrupted access to HIV medications during the drug price negotiations. For a deeper understanding of the proposed HIV carve-out and its potential effects on public health, the full testimony is available here.