Florida is facing a preventable public health crisis. Over 10,000 people living with HIV could lose access to lifesaving medications due to sudden, drastic cuts to Florida’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). These cuts—set to take effect on March 1—will strip away care from thousands who rely on this program to survive.

The Florida Department of Health has decided to lower income eligibility from 400% of the federal poverty level to just 130%, making thousands ineligible overnight. Popular and essential medications like Biktarvy are also being removed from coverage. The impact will be devastating—especially in a state that already leads the nation in new HIV infections.

Officials say the cuts are due to a $120 million funding shortfall after Congress let key ACA tax credits expire. But instead of working with state legislators or exploring alternative solutions, Florida’s health department is shifting the burden onto people with HIV—without warning, without transparency, and without a clear plan to protect those most at risk.

This is not just a budget issue. It’s a human rights issue. HIV should not be a death sentence in 2024. We cannot let decades of progress in fighting this epidemic unravel because of bureaucratic inaction or political negligence.

We urge the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis to immediately intervene. Reverse these harmful cuts. Allocate emergency funding to keep the ADAP program intact. Ensure that no Floridian is denied access to the HIV medication they need simply because they fall above an arbitrary income threshold.

Lives are on the line. This crisis is entirely avoidable—but only if our leaders act now.

Sign this petition to demand Florida protect access to HIV medication for all who need it. We must speak out before thousands are left behind.