WASHINGTON – March 24, 2026
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis today signed HB 697 into law today, following changes to the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program that removed nearly 16,000 people living with HIV from the program that ensures access to life-saving medication.
“We applaud Governor DeSantis for signing HB 697 into law and restoring critical, lifesaving support for Floridians living with HIV. The $30.9 million in emergency funding and the restoration of ADAP eligibility to 400 percent of the federal poverty level will provide needed relief through June 30. But this remains only a partial fix: premium assistance has not been restored, and Biktarvy is still not back on the formulary. Just last week, AIDS United hosted more than 600 advocates at AIDSWatch in Washington, D.C., where we brought this message directly to Capitol Hill in meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs. Our communities deserve stable, complete access to care, treatment and coverage they need to live healthy lives--a goal that is an only be achieved by increased federal investment in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, including meaningful increases in funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.” — Carl Baloney, Jr.
About AIDS UNITED
AIDS United’s mission is to end the HIV epidemic in the United States. AIDS United envisions a time when all people, governments, and organizations commit to ending the epidemic and strengthening the health, well-being, and human rights of everyone impacted by HIV.
Media Contact
Miguel Ayala
Director of Communications
communications@aidsunited.org
202-876-2820
