| |
RYAN WHITE ACT SET FOR PASSAGE
|
| |
| |
KENNEDY'S 3 YEAR PROPOSAL ACCEPTED - STALEMATE BROKEN
Dec 5 Press Release from Sen Kennedy
Washington, DC: Today Senator Kennedy announced that his proposal for the Ryan White Modernization Act has been accepted by the bipartisan negotiators, clearing the way for final passage this year. Kennedy's proposal -- which has ended the stalemate -- would take the current reauthorization bill and limit to a three year reauthorization, in order to leave stable the care delivery systems while the structure of the program is truly re-vamped to reflect the disease of 2007. The bipartisan, bicameral bill reflects the balance of protecting our nation's established systems of health care for those living with HIV and Aids and directing more resources to areas experiencing an increase in the disease. After two and a half years of negotiations, Kennedy is determined to reauthorize the bill this year.
"After years and years of negotiations, this final proposal clears the
way for reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act this year so that all people living with HIV/AIDS will get the care and services they need to live long and productive lives," Senator Kennedy said. "We must pass this bill now - it is about more than just money and health care services, it's about caring and the American tradition of reaching out to people who are facing health challenges and in need of support."
Below are the details of Senator Kennedy's proposal:
1. Maintain funding levels of Title 1 and Title 2 at 95% of the
previous year, but never allow funding to fall below 95% of what states
and cities received in 2006 so it keeps the hold harmless for the length
of the reauthorization.
2. Counts all people with HIV for funding no matter where they live or
how the data is packaged.
3. Maintains the targeted funding pool for pharmaceuticals and
therapeutics, instead of running out of money paying for hold harmless
provisions which would happen if we continue with current law
4. Includes an absolute repeal of the law after the 3 years so it
forces the issue of restructuring to meet the needs of those living
with the disease now.
5. Expects HHS to continue to develop a framework to look at severity
of need and to report their progress in 2008.
6. Maintains 4 years of transition time for code states to switch to
names without being penalized.
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
