Published in the Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS July 1998 issue, by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

July 1998 Table of Contents

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California AIDS Drug Assistance Program

The California AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) was established in October 1987 to provide drugs to individuals who otherwise could not afford them. The drugs provided by ADAP have been determined to prolong quality of life and to prevent the deterioration of health among individuals infected with HIV.

An ADAP Advisory Committee consisting of physicians and community members was established in 1991. The committee meets as needed to review the ADAP formulary, to evaluate available HIV/AIDS drugs and to make recommendations for changes to the formulary.

Individuals are eligible for ADAP if: 1) they have an adjusted gross income below $50,000 per year; 2) they have a valid prescription from a California-licensed physician; and 3) the drugs they need are not covered by MediCal or another third-party payer. An individual is subject to a co-payment if his/her annual adjusted gross income is between 400% of the poverty level and $50,000. Individuals with an annual adjusted gross income below 400% of the poverty level receive the drugs for free.

ADAP is administered by local health jurisdictions. These jurisdictions are required to collect and report specific demographic data on the clients enrolled in their program (e.g., date of birth, gender, diagnosis, drugs received). The data are used to monitor the program and to identify trends.

For more information about ADAP and referrals to local offices, call the California Office of AIDS at 916-327-6784. In San Francisco, call the Department of Public Health AIDS Office at 415-554-9000. Many states have similar drug assistance programs. For information call your local department of public health.

Drugs Covered by the California AIDS Drug Assistance Program