The cost of HIV/AIDS medications is costly and even copays under certain medical programs can burden the financial stability of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, because of the federal illegality of marijuana, this medication is not covered by health insurance, forcing

HIV/AIDS patients to pay further out of pocket expenses to attain their medication. Some people with HIV/AIDS are living at or under the poverty level in order to qualify and maintain their subsidized healthcare services such as MassHealth, housing, SNAP benefits, and other social programs.

The high cost of medical marijuana can deter some HIV/AIDS patients from taking advantage of the medical marijuana program in Massachusetts. For this reason, Frank’s Friends was developed to create discount programs at Medical Marijuana Treatment

Centers (MTCs) to help those with HIV/AIDS and verified financial hardship afford their medication. HIV/AIDS patients brought marijuana as a medicine to the forefront in a time when little other relief was available to those suffering from this condition. As we enter a new decade we must continue to recognize and help those living with HIV/AIDS, not forgetting the legacy of those who lived and died advocating.