HIV MEDICINE ASSOCIATION

Budget/Appropriations

Advocated for increased funding in FY23 for HIV/AIDS programs in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the Dept. of Health & Human Services, including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the Ending the HIV Epidemic program, appropriated through the Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

TargetedSENATE · HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Health Issues

Advocated for loan forgiveness programs that would benefit HIV and infectious diseases medical providers, including: 1. The HIV Epidemic Loan-Repayment Program (HELP) Act that would provide up to $250,000 in loan repayment for clinicians who provide up to 5 years of service in designated HIV professional shortage areas, Ryan White-funded clinical sites, or sites that meet HRSA/HAB requirements. The new program would help address the critical shortage of clinicians and dentists caring for people with HIV, which would help to to end the domestic HIV epidemic, diversify the HIV workforce, and provide greater health equity. The bill was introduced by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and cosponsored by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA). 2. The BIO Preparedness Workforce Act, introduced by Reps. Lori Trahan (D-MA) and David McKinley (R-WV), which would provide loan repayment for health professionals who spend at least 50% of their time engaged in bio-preparedness and response activities anywhere in the U.S. or 50% of their time providing infectious diseases care in medically underserved communities and federally funded facilities. A qualified individual may receive up to $50,000 in loan forgiveness for each year of service. 3. The PREVENT Pandemics Act, introduced by Senators Murray (D-WA) and Burr (R-NC), which would provide loan repayment to health care professionals with expertise in infectious diseases and emergency preparedness. To be eligible for loan repayment, a health care professional working in infectious diseases or emergency preparedness must be a student or have graduated within the preceding ten years and must be working in a federal facility (including Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics), medically underserved community, health professionals shortage area, a tribal facility or another relevant entity as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.