Florida HIV Treatment Faces Cuts Amid Budget Shortfall

More than 128,000 Floridians are living with HIV, and the state has the second-highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the nation, following Georgia, with approximately 4,606 new diagnoses in 2022 [1]. Access to critical treatment programs, however, is now threatened by potential budget cuts announced in January 2026 by the Florida Department of Health.

Impact on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program

The proposed changes, enacted via an emergency rule on February 24, 2026, target the Florida AIDS Drug Assistance Program (FDAP), which supports over 31,000 Floridians with HIV/AIDS in affording their care [4]. The FDAP has been funded since 1996 through the Ryan White CARE Act, a federal law ensuring access to clinical care, housing support, nutrition, case management, and behavioral and substance use care for individuals with HIV [1].

Eligibility Changes and Medication Access

Currently, the program assists low-income, HIV-positive Floridians by providing prescription medications directly or covering insurance costs that include HIV medications. The recent cuts stiffen eligibility requirements from earning 400% of the federal poverty level or below (approximately $88,000 per year) to 130% or below (around $21,000 per year). This change immediately removes financial support for approximately 16,000 patients [4].

program funds will no longer be used to purchase health insurance for eligible patients. The Department of Health similarly proposed removing Biktarvy, a commonly prescribed and recommended drug for HIV treatment, from the list of covered medications.

Potential Consequences

Without access to insurance coverage and necessary medications, patients face worsened health outcomes and a likely increase in HIV transmission. This could lead to higher healthcare costs for Florida and a rise in HIV/AIDS-related deaths [1].

Legal Challenges and Legislative Efforts

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is suing the Florida Department of Health, arguing that the changes were implemented without following the proper rulemaking process, which requires public announcement and a comment period [4]. An administrative judge has approved an expedited hearing, with a ruling expected before March 1, 2026.

The foundation has also filed a second lawsuit to investigate the cause of the Department of Health’s $120 million budget shortfall.

Both the Florida Senate and House attempted to include additional funding for the program in their budget proposals, but the final budget, subject to Governor Ron DeSantis’s line-item veto authority, will not be voted on until later in March.

Looking Ahead

Healthcare providers are working to ensure patients maintain access to their medications despite the program cuts. There are concerns that these cuts could reverse progress made in controlling HIV-related complications, hospitalizations, and deaths in Florida.