NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

CHAIRMAN

hate &. Osborn, MED.

MEMBERS

Diane Ahrens

Neat Allen

Hon, Dick Cheney

Marton L. Dalton, Esg.

Mow Edward d Derwinsas
suce tar MON NEP H

Oonala 8. Goidman, Esa.

Don. Destartais, Ph.D.

Lurrvy Kessler

Charies Koneshere, M.D... MPH.

du Mason
cL ©. Rovers. M.D.
Hon. 4d. Rov Rowland, M.D.

“Pton Lows W Sallivan, MD

ENECUTINE DIRECTOR

Vlaureen Bvrnes

1730 K Street. N.W.. Suite 815
Washington. D.C. 20006
(202) 254-5125 [FAX] 254-3060

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Brandt
May 11, 1990

(202) 254-5125

STATEMENT ON THE AIDS PREVENTION ACT (H.R.4470) .
& THE MEDICAID AIDS AND HIV AMENDMENTS ACT (H.R.4080)

The National Commission on AIDS endorses the principles and
objectives of the AIDS Prevention Act of 1990 (H.R.4470) and
the Medicaid AIDS and HIV Amendments Act of 1990 (H.R.4080).
This legislation is responsive to many of the recommendations
of the National Commission on AIDS and the Presidential
Commission on the HIV Epidemic.

There must be frank recognition that a health care crisis
exists in many of our cities that will require extraordinary
measures to overcome. The HIV epidemic of the 1990’s will be
far worse than what we have seen thus far. Our Nation simply

must be prepared to invest adequate resources now or pay
dearly later.

The AIDS Prevention Act of 1990 will provide emergency funds
to those areas hardest hit by the epidemic. It will expand the
availability of HIV testing and counseling and the
accessibility of early intervention drugs which have been
found to prolong life and prevent serious deterioration of
health for those with HIV infection and AIDS. This legislation
will also authorize demonstration projects that will provide
comprehensive treatment services for HIV infection and AIDS.

The Medicaid AIDS and HIV Amendments Act of 1990 will
provide states with the option to expand Medicaid services to
provide home and community based services for children with
AIDS, to assure continuity of private insurance coverage for
people with HIV infection and AIDS, and to expand availability
of early intervention drugs under Medicaid for income eligible
individuals with compromised immune systems. This legislation

also recognizes the financial problems now facing hospitals
treating individuals with AIDS and HIV infection.

The heaith care system in this country is not working well—
and nowhere is that more evident than for people with HIV
infection and AIDS. While AIDS is not the cause of the health

care system’s disarray, its epidemic nature has accelerated

the urgent need for responsible national action to correct the
system’s serious shortfalls.

The Commission is pleased that these bills are moving forth
in the legislative process and looks forward to the passage

and funding of comprehensive AIDS care legislation by the
101st Congress.