England Declares Free HIV Treatment For All

Good news! Legislation went into effect on October 1st which makes treatment for HIV/AIDS free to all residents (citizens and immigrants) in England.The announcement of the change in policy actually dates back to more than 6 months ago, according to the BBC.

aidsmeds.com summarizes the change:

HIV treatment is now officially free for all who need it in England, including undocumented migrants and non-United Kingdom citizens, as per legislation that went into effect today, October 1, and has been reviewed in detail by aidsmap. Other countries of the U.K may still technically charge for HIV treatment, depending on immigration status. However, this this hasn’t been actively pursued in Scotland or Wales in recent years; in Northern Ireland, charges for HIV treatment have sometimes been rigorously enforced.

I wonder how long it will take for a similar policy to exist in the United States?

Hat/tip to Joe.My.God