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Florida Enacts 90-Day Emergency Cuts to HIV Drug Program, Slashing Eligibility and Dropping Biktarvy

State health officials say the move averts a $120 million shortfall.

Overview

  • The emergency rule, effective March 1, lowers AIDS Drug Assistance Program income eligibility from 400% to 130% of the federal poverty level, reducing the cap from about $62,000 to roughly $21,000 for a single person.
  • Florida’s ADAP no longer covers Biktarvy, a once-daily HIV regimen used by about 60% of enrollees, and restricts Descovy to patients with renal insufficiency.
  • Advocacy groups estimate up to 16,000 of roughly 30,000 Florida ADAP clients could lose access to medications or premium assistance under the new limits.
  • A preliminary analysis from a Johns Hopkins epidemiologist projects 4,312 additional HIV infections in Florida from 2026 to 2030 if the cuts persist.
  • The rule lasts 90 days and requires formal rulemaking for permanence; the AIDS Healthcare Foundation has sued to block the changes as clinicians warn of treatment disruptions and higher downstream costs.