Smith's Bill Assists Low-income Americans Battle the Deadly Progression of AIDS
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) introduced the Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2003 (ETHA) to provide Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV positive Americans before they develop full blown AIDS.
"Currently HIV treatments are very successful in delaying the progression from HIV infection to AIDS," said Smith. "We can do better, and we should do everything possible to ensure that all people living with HIV can get early, effective medical care."
ETHA also provides states an enhanced federal Medicaid match making more federal money available for states that invest in treatments for HIV. This legislation helps states with struggling budgets, like Oregon, continue to provide medical treatment to low-income, HIV positive people in need.
"HIV and AIDS touches the lives of millions of people living in every state in the Union. Some get the latest medical treatment, but too many do not," Smith said. "This is literally a life and death issue for many Oregonians, and ETHA can help many more Americans enjoy long, healthy lives."
Smith's legislation is supported by a wide range of AIDS advocacy organizations including the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the Human Rights Campaign, the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, the Cascade AIDS Project, and the Treatment Access Expansion Project.
