With reductions in federal Medicaid funding among the provisions in President Donald Trump's signature tax cut law, South Florida clinicians are bracing for effects on HIV care and prevention, especially considering 22% of HIV patients in the state use the health insurance safety net.
Elizabeth Sherman, a pharmacy assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, told WLRN that 50% of Floridians with HIV live in the southern part of the state and 1 of every 157 adults lives with HIV.
"We have many undiagnosed cases, which is why HIV testing programs are so vital," Sherman said.
Sherman says patients and health care providers alike feel fear and pressure.
"It's not too late to pull back, reject these types of cuts that are happening [and] prioritize the health of Americans and all people that are affected by HIV," she said.
Federal data shows Miami-Dade County consistently posts the most new HIV diagnoses in the U.S.
According to experts, the law will reduct federal Medicaid spending by $700 million, which could lead to millions losing coverage.
In addition, the law's work mandate for Medicaid enrollees could disproportionately affect people with HIV who may face challenges meeting the requirements due to their health or other factors.
The legislation, known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," was signed into law by Trump on Friday.
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