Harris Introduces Bill to Dramatically Expand Access to PrEP
HIV disproportionately impacts gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and, in particular, people of color. Members of communities at the intersections of these groups are most heavily impacted. A generic form of PrEP is expected to enter the market in 2020, but the high cost of the medication--combined with out-of-pocket costs for follow-up visits and lab testing--places barriers between PrEP and the more than 1 million people who would most benefit from it.
"PrEP is a critical advancement in the fight against HIV that can finally provide peace of mind to Americans who live in the shadow of the HIV epidemic. But for too many in our country, lack of insurance coverage and steep costs have put PrEP out of reach--and that needs to change," said Harris. "We must truly commit ourselves to HIV prevention by finally requiring every health insurance plan--public and private--to cover PrEP and all of the required tests and follow-up doctors' visits. We must also provide the resources necessary to help people without insurance access PrEP. Nearly four decades since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS crisis that took so many lives and caused countless others to live in fear, we can and will stop the spread of this disease."
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The PrEP Access and Coverage Act would:
Require all public and private health insurance plans to cover the drug--as well as all required tests and follow-up visits--without a copay, just as the Affordable Care Act requires insurance to cover contraception and other preventive services.
Fund a grant program to assist states, territories, and tribal communities in facilitating access to PrEP for people who lack insurance and reducing disparities in access to PrEP. The bill authorizes grants to cover the cost of the drug, as well as all associated tests and follow-up visits. The grants will also support outreach to physicians and other providers designed to increase understanding of PrEP and the recommended clinical practices for providing care.
Prohibit companies selling life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance from denying coverage to customers who take PrEP or charging them higher premiums.
Fund a public education campaign to reduce disparities in access to and use of PrEP by educating the public--particularly high-need communities in which PrEP is underutilized--about the safety and efficacy of the drug and to combat stigma associated with using PrEP.
Supporters of the PrEP Access and Coverage Act include AIDS United,
"Ending the HIV epidemic in the
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"Expanding access to PrEP is central to ending the HIV and AIDS epidemic," said
"We cannot end the HIV epidemic without dramatically scaling up access to PrEP. This bill includes a comprehensive and unprecedented set of non-discrimination and access protections aimed at tackling the formidable stigma, coverage, and cost barriers to PrEP. Funding for a national PrEP program--that includes resources to support medication, labs, and clinical services--is also critically necessary to scale up PrEP in communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. NASTAD applauds the leadership of
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