September 19, 1995

FREE DRUG PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS/HIV EXPANDED

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The Illinois Department of Public Health today announced an increase from 16 to 110 the number of life-prolonging drugs available at no charge to people with HIV or AIDS who do not have adequate insurance coverage or are not eligible for Medicaid.

The program also has been modified to allow participants in the Department's AIDS Drug Reimbursement Program to obtain a two-week supply of emergency drugs from a local pharmacist rather than having to wait for the prescription to be filled through the usual mail order outlet.

"As more and more individuals in Illinois are confronted with this tragic epidemic, we must continue to find ways to expand and tailor the program so these critical drugs are getting to people who need them," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state director of public health.

The Department anticipates the program will this year serve an average of 750 to 800 persons a month at a cost of $3.8 million. The state contributes $2.2 million to the program and the remainder is from federal funds.

To be eligible, a person must be diagnosed with AIDS or HIV infection and have a monthly income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level. The maximum income is $29,880 for a single person and $40,120 for a household of two.

In addition, participants cannot receive full coverage for prescription drugs through insurance or other government subsidy programs or medical assistance through the Medicaid program.

The majority of the drugs are used to prevent or treat various diseases to which persons with AIDS or HIV infection are susceptible. Physicians send or call prescriptions to Home Pharmacy of Chicago, which, in turn, distributes the drugs by mail to eligible participants. Home Pharmacy will now issue a prescription card that can be used at a local pharmacy to obtain a 14-day supply of emergency drugs for opportunistic infections and anti-microbials.

For further information or to apply for the program, people can contact the Department's AIDS Activity Section at 525 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761, or phone the section at 217-524-5983, TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments