AIDS Billings

Re “AIDS Group Is Accused of Overbilling,” Nov. 1:

AIDS Healthcare Foundation provides over $34 million in expert medical care to 5,000 uninsured, low-income patients. Independent audits demonstrate 95 cents of every dollar we raise goes to direct patient services. These funds purchase doctor visits, diagnostic tests and medications.

The discount drug program created funds for those services--as per congressional intent and federal law. Many other programs, such as family-planning clinics, get exactly the same discounts. Accordingly, we negotiated discounts from manufacturers and billed with the county’s knowledge at the regular reimbursement rate. The result? Hundreds of Angelenos with HIV/AIDS received lifesaving drugs seven months before the state provided them. AHF’s costly drug program was personalized to help patients maintain their difficult medication schedules.

The true plunder of federal AIDS programs lies in private, for-profit corporations permitted to reap millions through sweetheart deals. They negotiate deep discounts and bill at full reimbursement levels from the state--to the benefit of their investors, not AIDS patients.

MICHAEL WEINSTEIN, Pres.

KATHY MENDEZ, Board Chair

AHF, Los Angeles