2004–2005 State Budget
Priorities
Restore $8.4 million in HIV/AIDS funding
In addition to reversing the $4.8 million in funding the Governor
left out of his Executive Budget Proposal, GMHC urges full restorations
and baselining of funding in the FY 2003-2004 budget, including
the additional $3.6 million in restorations from the Assembly.
Restorations must include:
- $1.768 M — CSP
- $625,000 — Specialty Contracts
- $1.768 M — MSA/CDI
- $446,000 — Legal Services
- $179,000 — HHAP
- $179,000 — NBLCA
- $168,700 — Treatment Adherence
- $89,000 — NYAC
- $168,700 — Permanency Planning
- $3M — Assembly Communities of Color
Allocate $4 million to Address Rising Needs
The number of people living with HIV/AIDS is at an all-time high,
a fact reflected in the growing caseloads of service providers
throughout the state. As services have had to expand to meet rising
needs, so should the resources that support these vital programs. Allocate
$2 million each in new funding to CSPs and MSA/CDIs.
Allocate $4.5 million for HIV Prevention
State funding for primary prevention should be targeted to those
most at risk for HIV infection: Men who have Sex with Men, particularly
young men of color; women, particularly women of color; substance
users and prison releasees. Allocate $3.5 million in new funding
for Primary Prevention Programming. NY must put additional
resources toward new syringe exchange programs as well as harm
reduction programs serving high-risk non-injecting substance users. Allocate
$1 million in new funding for Harm Reduction.
Maintain Family Health Plus Eligibility and Affordable
Benefits
GMHC urges the legislature to maintain FHPlus eligibility and
benefits and reject the Governor's proposed $135 million in
cuts. FHPlus keeps low-income people insured and has been a
successful program of which New York State should be proud.
Exempt HIV+ Medicaid Beneficiaries from a Preferred
Drug Program
Consumers with serious illnesses and disabilities, like HIV/AIDS,
are the people who are most impacted by prior authorization. GMHC
opposes a PDP and strongly advocates for significant consumer
safeguards, including exemptions for HIV+ individuals, should a
PDP be created.
No Increase of Medicaid Prescription Drug Co-Payments
or Reductions in Nutritional Supplements Coverage
Even a small increase in cost sharing has been proven to discourage
individuals from getting the medical care they need. Cost-saving
measures and benefit reductions must not disproportionately impact
individuals with the highest level of need.
Oversight of Prison Health Care
GMHC supports A.4204-Gottfried/S.1840-Mendez authorizing NYSDOH
to perform yearly audits of the health care provided in correctional
facilities at an estimated cost of $1million.
Place Future Conversion Proceeds in a Foundation
Dedicated to Health
Future conversions should not go forward unless proceeds go to
a foundation dedicated to the expansion of health care access.
© 2004 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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