ADAP Advocacy Opposes Inclusion of HIV Treatments in Medicare Drug Price Negotiations

ADAP Advocacy has publicly opposed the inclusion of HIV antiretroviral therapies in the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, raising concerns over the potential harm to individuals with HIV/AIDS. The organization's comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) argue for a carve-out to safeguard these critical medications. Brandon M. Macsata, CEO of ADAP Advocacy, pointed out the risks of restricting access to HIV treatments, including treatment discontinuation, higher mortality rates from opportunistic infections, and the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains.

The advocacy is based on the 'treatment as prevention' approach, which is vital for improving health outcomes, curbing virus transmission, and lowering healthcare costs. ADAP Advocacy's detailed testimony to CMS underscores the importance of maintaining access to HIV medications during drug price negotiations. For more information on the proposed HIV carve-out and its public health impact, the full testimony is available.