HDAP FULLY FUNDED &
INCREASE IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE FUNDS

The supplemental budget included $2.4 million for the HIV Drug Assistance Program (HDAP). This is the amount of money that is needed to address the remaining shortfall in funding for HDAP in FY'05. A projected HDAP shortfall of approximately $6.6 million for FY'05 has been addressed through the restoration of HIV MassHealth eligibility to 200% of poverty (though not yet in effect- see accompanying article), DPH savings initiatives, and the addition of $2.4 million in this supplemental budget.

In addition, the legislature approved an increase of $11.9 million for substance abuse treatment (4512-0200). This is the amount needed to retain $9.1 million in federal dollars for substance abuse treatment through DPH and its community-based programs that was in jeopardy due to low state expenditures.

-Adapted from e-mail “ $2.4 million for HDAP in supplemental budget!” sent to Project ABLE Email List, from Mary Ann Hart, 9/10/04.

09/2004