The AIDS Drug Distribution Program (ADDP), run by the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services, provides life-sustaining and life-prolonging medications free of charge to low-income people who have no other source of payment.

How do I qualify?

In order to qualify for the ADDP,

• You must be a New Jersey resident at least 30 days before the date you apply;
  
  
• Your income must not exceed 500% of the Federal Poverty Level ($5,795/month for a family of two in 2007);
  
  
• You must have a doctor’s letter stating that your medication is medically necessary—here is a sample form (from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services); and
  
  
• You must sign a consent form that states the information you supplied is accurate and permits the program to verify the information.

I have private insurance. Can I still apply?

This depends. If your insurer reimburses you for your medications, you are not eligible for this program. However, if you have already received the maximum benefits allowable under your health insurance plan, you may be eligible.

How do I know if the drugs I take are covered?

A wide range of FDA-approved medications for the treatment of HIV and AIDS are covered. Your doctor or clinic can tell you which of the approved drugs are appropriate for you.

Where would I have to go to get my medications?

You can get your medications free of charge from any Medicaid-eligible pharmacy or pharmacist in New Jersey.

How do I apply?

The application includes forms for you, your physician, and your pharmacist to complete. To apply, you can:

• Call 1-877-613-4533 for an application.
  
  
• Get the application (from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services).
  
  
• Ask your HIV/AIDS Case Manager.
  
  
• Contact any of the following agencies:
  
  Atlantic/Cape May Consortium
  (609) 441-8181
  
  Bergen/Passaic Planning Council
  (973) 321-1242, ext. 6
  
  Cumberland Planning Council
  (856) 453-2150
  
  Hudson County Planning Council
  (201) 795-4555, ext. 212
  
  Mercer Consortium
  (609) 278-9555
  
  Middlesex/Somerset/Hunterdon Planning Council
  (732) 745-3149
  
  Monmouth/Ocean Consortium
  (732) 502-5118
  
  Newark Planning Council
  (973) 733-4402
  (Essex, Union, Morris, Sussex, Warren)
  
  South Jersey Council on AIDS
  (856) 547-6600
  (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem)

You can also contact ADDP directly for more information. Information given to ADDP will be kept confidential.

ADDP
PO Box 722
Trenton, New Jersey
08625-0722
(609) 588-7038 or 1-877-613-4533

This article originally appeared in the September 2007 issue of Looking Out for Your Legal Rights^®.