Florida Senate Proposes ADAP Bridge Funding Through June 30

March 10, 2026

Florida Senate Proposes ADAP Bridge Funding Through June 30

On March 10, the Florida Senate leadership introduced an amendment to House Bill 697 providing $30.9 million in short-term bridge funding to continue the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) through June 30, 2026. The amendment temporarily restores program eligibility up to 400% of the federal poverty level. 

During the bridge period, most participants would receive HIV medications through a direct-dispense distribution system administered by county health departments. The program would use the ADAP formulary in effect as of March 1, 2026, which removes Biktarvy from the direct-dispense program and restricts Descovy, while other clinically equivalent treatment options remain available. Self-insured clients would continue receiving copay assistance and retain access to the broader formulary.

The amendment is intended to stabilize medication access following earlier ADAP rule changes tied to a projected $120 million funding shortfall. That gap has been attributed to rising insurance costs and the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits.

The proposal also requires the Florida Department of Health to submit monthly public reports beginning April 1 detailing program revenues, expenditures, enrollment, prescription utilization, and fiscal sustainability. These reports are intended to inform lawmakers as they negotiate longer-term funding and policy decisions, including the Senate’s proposed $118.3 million ADAP funding level for FY 2026–2027, during the upcoming budget conference process. Any final appropriations are subject to conference negotiations and the Governor’s line-item veto.