Lowry Seeks Federal Funds For State’s Aids Treatment Program

Gov. Mike Lowry will meet Monday in Washington, D.C., with Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala to explore ways to fund the state’s HIV-AIDS treatment program.

Lowry said he will ask Shalala to consider increasing her agency’s request for state AIDS drug assistance program money for fiscal 1997.

The governor said he will also ask Shalala to consider convening a summit of federal officials, governors, mayors, drug companies and insurers to find long-term funding solutions.

Washington state’s HIV-AIDS prescription drug program has a $3.4 million projected budget shortfall that is expected to grow to $5 million by next year. The program pays for medications for poor people living with HIV.

The shortfall prompted the state to close the program to new enrollees July 17.