EKB News

Since 1982, 5015 AIDS cases have been reported to Kentucky state health officials, and, with the recession deepened, the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program currently has more than 1,277 people enrolled, with nearly 100 being on a waiting list since June. The program helps provide free or low cost life-saving drugs. But, with federal funding being dropped from about $4.8 million in 2005 to $4.5 million this year and state funding of about $250,000 a year ended in 2007, officials are unsure how long these people will remain on the nation's longest waiting list. With drugs costing approximately $10,000 a year per person, officials say delays can be lethal. State lawmakers admit they have overlooked the program, and it deserves state money again, but they're not sure where the funds could come from. State health officials say, to squeeze more help from the dollars available, the state is switching to generic drugs when possible and steering applicants into other programs for which they may qualify.