Current Actions

  • Support HB 3791 - a Texas Solution

    House Bill 3791, authored by Representative John Zerwas, is the only Medicaid legislation that seeks a “Texas Solution” to drawing down federal funds. HB 3791 directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to negotiate with federal centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to develop a plan to provide low-income individuals with meaningful health coverage. This allows the conversation to continue beyond the legislative session, and brings us one step closer to ensuring that Texans have access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare.

    In order for HB 3791 to be considered by the full House, it must move out of the Calendar committee no later than Tuesday, May 7th.  Click here to send an email to committee members, asking them support HB 3791 and a healthier Texas.

  • Say YES to routine testing!

    As we strive towards an AIDS-free generation, one of our tools is to test and treat as many people as possible. House Bill 1119, which is being heard in the Insurance committe on Tuesday, April 23, would make "opt-out" testing a reality, making an HIV test as routine as any other standard blood test. HB 1119 would also ensure that most major insurance plans would cover the cost of an HIV test.

    This bill, authored by Representative Yvonne Davis from Dallas, not only increases opportunities to slow the spread of HIV, but eliminates stigma by making an HIV test one of many a person needs in order to lead their healthiest life.

    Email members of the Insurance committee TODAY and ask them to vote YES on HB 1119!

  • Call for a healthier Texas!

    Millions of Texans who can’t afford costly health coverage go uninsured. But Gov. Perry and some state lawmakers want to reject billions from the federal government that would help cover over 1.5 million Texans.

    Despite widespread support for a Medicaid solution to help close our coverage gap, some state lawmakers continue to stand in opposition.  The Texas House Appropriations committee will be meeting on Tuesday, April 16 to discuss and hear public testimony on how we can work together to create a healthier Texas.

    Send committee members an email letting them know that you support a solution!

  • Get off my backpack!

    State Representative Bill Zedler (R-Arlington) filed an amendment to the general appropriations (budget) bill to cut state funding from universities that have “Gender and Sexuality Centers and Related Student Center[s].” The amendment argues that “to support, promote, or encourage any behavior that would lead to high risk behavior for AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis B, or any sexually transmitted disease.”

    Although the language of this amendment is veiled and non-specific, it is clearly meant to target Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) student resource centers. Linking these centers to the intentional spreading of HIV/AIDS increases stigma associated with the disease. It has been shown that homophobia both increases vulnerability to HIV and reduces access to prevention services. Anti-gay stigma affects an individual’s decision to evaluate their risk for HIV, decreases the likelihood  that an individual will access health care, and ultimately hinders public health efforts that encourage screening for HIV.

  • Take action for World AIDS Day!

    What better way to celebrate World AIDS Day than by putting change in motion? The Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition encourages you to join our coordinated effort to email your Texas State Representatives, Senators, and Governor Rick Perry, and let them know that you are either a person living with HIV/AIDS, a person working within the community, or are affected by HIV/AIDS in Texas. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to your elected official, and let them know that you are counting on their support during the upcoming 83rd Texas legislative session.

    Once you have emailed your elected officials, visit our Facebook page, and let us know who you contacted.  Be sure to let us know if you received a response!  Remember, personalized emails receive personalized responses, so feel free to add to or change our suggested text.  Let your elected officials know what HIV services mean to Texans!

  • Take action against the "Fiscal Cliff"!

    Now that elections have been decided, it's time to get down to the business of ensuring the long term health and well-being of Americans!

    The first and most pressing matter is that of sequestration, or the "fiscal cliff".  If Congress and the President do not reach an agreement by January 1 to address the nation’s deficit, automatic cuts will slash funding for vital health care, treatment, housing, and other essential services for low-income people with HIV.

    • 15,708 people could lose access to life-saving drugs due to a $77 million cut to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program
    • 4,738 households could lose housing support
    • 460 AIDS research grants will be eliminated


    Tell your U.S. senators and representatives that we need a balanced approach to deficit reduction. Revenue increases must be a part of the solution to avert harmful cuts that will cost more lives and more money and to ensure that essential public health care programs like Medicaid and Medicare are protected.

  • Medicaid -Keep Texas Healthy

    The Supreme Court recently upheld the Affordable Care Act.   Texas now faces the option of expanding Medicaid to cover low income vulnerable Texans. This expansion would give Texas 13 million dollars a year to cover uninsured Texans.  If Texas fails to expand it Mediciad program the costs of  care does not disappear and and local tax dollars will continued to be used to cover the medical care of the uninsured.   We are demanding that our Governor and Texas Legislature begin a full implementation of the law.

  • Tell "Super Committee" to Protect HIV/AIDS Programs!

    The Congressional Super Committee's deadline to agree on $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction measures is rapidly approaching!  On Wednesday, November 23, the Congressional Super Committee must vote on a plan that includes $1.5 trillion in deficit reductions.  The HIV/AIDS community must pressure the committee to protect HIV/AIDS programs and funding! Their decisions could directly impact programs like Medicaid, Ryan White and ADAP, as well as the ability of our government to implement the Affordable Care Act and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy!


    Tell the Super Committee NO cuts to HIV/AIDS programs!  Our nation must not reduce the deficit on the backs of its most vulnerable citizens!

  • NO on the Balance Budget Amendment!

    On Friday, the House of Representatives will vote on a Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA), sponsored by Rep. Robert Goodlatte, R-VA. H. J. Res. 2 would require the federal budget to be balanced by Fiscal Year 2018 and that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues unless three-fifths of both the House and the Senate vote to do so. The amendment also requires a three-fifths majority to raise the debt ceiling.

    Though the requirements of the proposed amendment may sound harmless on the surface, the consequences would be anything but. In order to satisfy the BBA specifications, for example, Congress could be forced to cut all programs by nearly 20%, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Some predict that cuts of this magnitude would lead to:

    - 15 million people thrown out of work

    - Doubling the unemployment rate from 9% to 18%

    - Shrinking the economy by 17%

    - Leave thousands of people living with HIV without access to essential health care services

    Take action now!

  • NO on the Balance Budget Amendment!

    On Friday, the House of Representatives will vote on a Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA), sponsored by Rep. Robert Goodlatte, R-VA. H. J. Res. 2 would require the federal budget to be balanced by Fiscal Year 2018 and that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues unless three-fifths of both the House and the Senate vote to do so. The amendment also requires a three-fifths majority to raise the debt ceiling.

    Though the requirements of the proposed amendment may sound harmless on the surface, the consequences would be anything but. In order to satisfy the BBA specifications, for example, Congress could be forced to cut all programs by nearly 20%, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Some predict that cuts of this magnitude would lead to:

    - 15 million people thrown out of work

    - Doubling the unemployment rate from 9% to 18%

    - Shrinking the economy by 17%

    - Leave thousands of people living with HIV without access to essential health care services

    Take action now!

  • NO on the Balance Budget Amendment!

    On Friday, the House of Representatives will vote on a Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA), sponsored by Rep. Robert Goodlatte, R-VA. H. J. Res. 2 would require the federal budget to be balanced by Fiscal Year 2018 and that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues unless three-fifths of both the House and the Senate vote to do so. The amendment also requires a three-fifths majority to raise the debt ceiling.

    Though the requirements of the proposed amendment may sound harmless on the surface, the consequences would be anything but. In order to satisfy the BBA specifications, for example, Congress could be forced to cut all programs by nearly 20%, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Some predict that cuts of this magnitude would lead to:

    - 15 million people thrown out of work

    - Doubling the unemployment rate from 9% to 18%

    - Shrinking the economy by 17%

    - Leave thousands of people living with HIV without access to essential health care services

    Take action now!

  • Send a Texas message to a Texas Congressman in DC: Medicaid Matters!!

    Texans all around the state want to protect life-saving HIV/AIDS funding. As Texans, we recognize we're all in this together.  We need to look at options to increase revenue to help reduce the nation's deficit.

    The Super Committee must ensure that:

     

    1.   Deficit reduction is fair and balanced, and must include raising revenues.

     

    2.   Any approach to deficit reduction must protect vulnerable populations and maintain the federal commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS by funding prevention, care and treatment, research, housing and support services.

     

  • Support America's Health Centers

    Health Centers provide basic health care to Americans that would otherwise have no access to basic health needs.  Everything from basic check ups to life saving care for people living with HIV/AIDS are provided by health centers across the country.

    Send your Senator or Representative a message asking that they:

    1) Ensure that there is sufficient funding to maintain existing operations and activities at Health Centers, and

    2) Improve access to cost-effective primary and preventive care services in your community.

  • Support America's Health Centers

    Health Centers provide basic health care to Americans that would otherwise have no access to basic health needs.  Everything from basic check ups to life saving care for people living with HIV/AIDS are provided by health centers across the country.

    Send your Senator or Representative a message asking that they:

    1) Ensure that there is sufficient funding to maintain existing operations and activities at Health Centers, and

    2) Improve access to cost-effective primary and preventive care services in your community.

  • Tell Commissioner David Lakey to "Just Ask"

    The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) provides lifesaving drugs to uninsured low income Texans liviing
    with HIV/AIDS. THMP addresses the most basic need shared by all people living with HIV: life-extending
    medications that slow the progression of HIV disease and keep them healthy.

    The Texas Legislature has directed Commissioner David Lakey to request the additional 19.2 million dollars it will need to matain the program.  Yet Commissioner Lakey has shown no interest in making that request.

    Tell Commissioner Lakey to "Just Ask"

    You can speak out now with a few clicks.
    Fully Fund the Texas HIV Medication Program

    -----------

    The final version of budget for the State of Texas provides the Texas Department of State Health Services a method to finace the estimated additional $19.2 million it will need to keep the Texas HIV Medication Program intact.  The Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services must request a transfer of funds from the Texas Health and Human Services Commisssion.  Without that money, approximately 2,000 HIV positive individuals will not have access to the life saving medications they need.

    Tell Commissioner Lakey to do the right thing- "Just Ask"

    Enter your information so that our system can determine who represents you at the Texas Legislature.

    A fax will be sent to Commissioner Lakey asking him to request the $19.2 million needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.

    Thank you for your continued advocacy and support, you DO make a difference!

    TAKE ACTION NOW

  • Tell Commissioner David Lakey to "Just Ask"

    The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) provides lifesaving drugs to uninsured low income Texans liviing
    with HIV/AIDS. THMP addresses the most basic need shared by all people living with HIV: life-extending
    medications that slow the progression of HIV disease and keep them healthy.

    The Texas Legislature has directed Commissioner David Lakey to request the additional 19.2 million dollars it will need to matain the program.  Yet Commissioner Lakey has shown no interest in making that request.

    Tell Commissioner Lakey to "Just Ask"

    You can speak out now with a few clicks.
    Fully Fund the Texas HIV Medication Program

    -----------

    The final version of budget for the State of Texas provides the Texas Department of State Health Services a method to finace the estimated additional $19.2 million it will need to keep the Texas HIV Medication Program intact.  The Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services must request a transfer of funds from the Texas Health and Human Services Commisssion.  Without that money, approximately 2,000 HIV positive individuals will not have access to the life saving medications they need.

    Tell Commissioner Lakey to do the right thing- "Just Ask"

    Enter your information so that our system can determine who represents you at the Texas Legislature.

    A fax will be sent to Commissioner Lakey asking him to request the $19.2 million needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.

    Thank you for your continued advocacy and support, you DO make a difference!

    TAKE ACTION NOW

  • Tell Commissioner David Lakey to "Just Ask"

    The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) provides lifesaving drugs to uninsured low income Texans liviing
    with HIV/AIDS. THMP addresses the most basic need shared by all people living with HIV: life-extending
    medications that slow the progression of HIV disease and keep them healthy.

    The Texas Legislature has directed Commissioner David Lakey to request the additional 19.2 million dollars it will need to matain the program.  Yet Commissioner Lakey has shown no interest in making that request.

    Tell Commissioner Lakey to "Just Ask"

    You can speak out now with a few clicks.
    Fully Fund the Texas HIV Medication Program

    -----------

    The final version of budget for the State of Texas provides the Texas Department of State Health Services a method to finace the estimated additional $19.2 million it will need to keep the Texas HIV Medication Program intact.  The Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services must request a transfer of funds from the Texas Health and Human Services Commisssion.  Without that money, approximately 2,000 HIV positive individuals will not have access to the life saving medications they need.

    Tell Commissioner Lakey to do the right thing- "Just Ask"

    Enter your information so that our system can determine who represents you at the Texas Legislature.

    A fax will be sent to Commissioner Lakey asking him to request the $19.2 million needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.

    Thank you for your continued advocacy and support, you DO make a difference!

    TAKE ACTION NOW

  • National Day of Action to Support HIV/AIDS Programs

    July 15, 2011

    Save HIV/AIDS Funding

    Last week, Congressional negotiations to reduce the federal deficit hit a roadblock, putting at risk critical services upon which millions of Americans rely, including persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White Program, Medicaid, housing, prevention and other programs that make up the social safety net for vulnerable Americans with HIV/AIDS are on the line. Congressional leadership is negotiating an agreement to reduce the deficit and set new spending limits now.  

    Let our leaders in Washington know that cutting funding for HIV/AIDS services is not an acceptable option.



    You can speak out now with a few clicks.

    Just fill in your name and address and we will send a letter to the President,
    The Senate Majority Leader, The Speaker of the House
    as well as your two US Senators and your House of Representative member.

    TAKE ACTION NOW


  • Spank Spank Spnak

    A spanking a day keeps the doctor away.

  • Sign our petition to get Randall on the ballot

    This peitition is to elect the best man for the job:  Randall K. Ellis!

  • National Day of Action to Support HIV/AIDS Programs

    July 7, 2011

    Save HIV/AIDS Funding

    Last week, Congressional negotiations to reduce the federal deficit hit a roadblock, putting at risk critical services upon which millions of Americans rely, including persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White Program, Medicaid, housing, prevention and other programs that make up the social safety net for vulnerable Americans with HIV/AIDS are on the line. Congressional leadership is negotiating an agreement to reduce the deficit and set new spending limits now.  

    Let our leaders in Washington know that cutting funding for HIV/AIDS services is not an acceptable option.



    You can speak out now with a few clicks.

    Just fill in your name and address and we will send a letter to the President,
    The Senate Majority Leader, The Speaker of the House
    as well as your two US Senators and your House of Representative member.

    TAKE ACTION NOW


  • Tell Texas lawmakers to fully fund HIV/AIDS medications in Texas.
    The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) provides lifesaving drugs to uninsured low income Texans living
    with HIV/AIDS. THMP addresses the most basic need shared by all people living with HIV: life-extending
    medications that slow the progression of HIV disease and keep them healthy.
    In Texas, additional state funding will be needed to keep pace with new enrollment and meet the needs
    of current clients. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates the program will need approximately
    $23 million of additional funding.

    You can speak out now with a few clicks.

    Just add any additional information that is required so that our system can determine who represents you at the Texas Legislature.

    A fax will be sent to your lawmakers in Austin asking them to support the 23 million dollars needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.

    TAKE ACTION NOW


  • Tell Texas lawmakers to fully fund HIV/AIDS medications in Texas.

    The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) provides lifesaving drugs to uninsured low income Texans liviing

    with HIV/AIDS. THMP addresses the most basic need shared by all people living with HIV: life-extending

    medications that slow the progression of HIV disease and keep them healthy.

    In Texas, additional state funding will be needed to keep pace with new enrollment and meet the needs
    of current clients. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates the program will need approximately $19.2 million of additional funding.


    You can speak out now with a few clicks.

    The Senate budget bill has been voted out of the Senate Finance Committee, and is headed to the floor for debate.  As of right now, the $19.2 million needed to serve the approximately 2,000 HIV positive individuals that would otherwise have to go without medication is included in the Senate budget.  THIS IS NOT GUARANTEED!

    Enter your information so that our system can determine who represents you at the Texas Legislature.

    A fax will be sent to your Senator in Austin asking them to support the $19.2 million needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.

     Thank you for your continued advocacy and support, you DO make a difference!

    TAKE ACTION NOW


  • Tell Texas lawmakers to fully fund HIV/AIDS medications in Texas

  • Tell Texas lawmakers to fully fund HIV/AIDS medications in Texas

  • Tell Texas lawmakers to allow us to speak
    The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) provides lifesaving drugs to uninsured low income Texans living
    with HIV/AIDS. 

    This week we had over 100 people from across the state in Austin talking to lawmakers about HIV/AIDS.

    We are making progress, but we need your help. Five minutes of your time TODAY can help people living with HIV/AIDS obtain life saving medications.

    Background 


    The Texas Department of State Health Services is facing major budget cuts.

    Instead of seeking community input on how to deal with predicted shortfalls in the Texas HIV Medication Program, the health department's Commissioner, Dr. David Lakey, has disbanded the Texas HIV Medication Advisory Committee.

    No public input on cost sharing proposals  

    Low-income Texans could pay as much as $3,200 dollars a year to obtain life-saving medications.

    No public input on waiting lists

    HIV positive Texans may be forced to get in line to obtain medications.  Kicking people out of the program, like they are currently doing in Florida, is also a possibility.

    The need to deal with budgets cuts and shortfalls must be addressed, but this must be done in an open and transparent process. Commissioner's Lakey's refusal to accept community input and his willingness to shut stake holders out of the process is unacceptable.

    TAKE ACTION NOW!


    Commissioner Lakey will testify before the Texas House Appropriation Committee on Friday, February 18. We need you to call the members of the House Appropriations Health and Human Services subcommittee and ask that they ask Commissioner Lakey to allow us to have a voice:
    Representative John Zerwas              (512) 463-0657 
    Representative Dawnna Dukes          (512) 463-0506
    Representative Susan King                 (512) 463-0718 
    Representative Craig Eiland                (512) 463-0502 
    Representaive Warren Chisum           (512) 463-0736
    Representative Charles Schwertner  (512) 463-0309


    "Tell Commissioner Lakey to reinstate the Texas HIV Medication Advisory Committee and work with community stake holders. People living with HIV/AIDS and community stake holders should not be shut out of the process!"


    In addition by providing your home address information this message will also be sent to your own Texas lawmakers.


    CALL NOW!


  • Tell Texas lawmakers to fully fund HIV/AIDS medications in Texas.
    The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) provides lifesaving drugs to uninsured low income Texans living
    with HIV/AIDS. THMP addresses the most basic need shared by all people living with HIV: life-extending
    medications that slow the progression of HIV disease and keep them healthy.
    In Texas, additional state funding will be needed to keep pace with new enrollment and meet the needs
    of current clients. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates the program will need approximately
    $23 million of additional funding.

    You can speak out now with a few clicks.

    Just add any additional information that is required so that our system can determine who represents you at the Texas Legislature.

    A fax will be sent to your lawmakers in Austin asking them to support the 23 million dollars needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.

    TAKE ACTION NOW


  • Thank you for registering for Advocacy Day on February 15th.
    Thank you for registering for the Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition Advocacy Day.  
    An email has been sent to you to confirm your registration for the Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition Advocacy Day on February 15, 2011.

    You can speak out now with a few clicks.
    Just add any additional information that is required so that our system can determine who represents you at the Texas Legislature.
    A fax will be sent to your lawmakers in Austin asking them to support the 23 million dollars needed to fully fund the Texas HIV Medication Program.
    TAKE ACTION NOW

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