PA Department of Health Cuts Ryan White Funding by 25%

Erie County HIV Task Force

In September this year, the PA Department of Health's Division for HIV Health [DOHH] informed Ryan White grant receivers of a universal loss for 25% less money, going back to July 1st of 2025. Across the Commonwealth, various organizations were given updated budgets with significantly less money for services that Ryan White money covers. These entities were forced to choose how to continue operating thru June 2026 with less pre-planned funds. This resulted in various services being cut out altogether, prevention efforts heavily reduced, and the loss of staff.

In addition, DOHH reduced the income qualifying amount for drug assistance in the state's benefit program [SPBP]. The DOHH stated these decisions were due to increased overall costs for medicines / procedures and less rebate funds coming back to the state. The PA HIV Planning Group met virtually November 19th and 20th and was presented with a high level breakdown of costs from 2023 thru October 2025, showing how drug claims increased by 58% in 2024 and currently have already doubled the amount of Federal dollars awarded.

While HIV infections have been low in Erie County for years, these budget cuts have already reduced the northwest PA region workforce. This negatively effects the region's current prevention efforts, impacting local providers, along with their services for testing and treatment. Local providers are continuing their work and are dedicated to our partnerships to ensure that Ryan White Services and HIV prevention efforts continue to keep infections rates low. Look for updates in the future as HIV funding at the Federal level also has the potential be reduced nationwide forcing more cuts on the local level. For more information, contact the EC HIV Task Force by email at admin@echiv.org or give us a call at 814-315-3375.