DC, Massachusetts, and Delaware have joined a growing number of states and jurisdictions acting to guarantee insurance coverage of highly effective HIV prevention medications known as PrEP without cost-sharing or prior authorization. These laws not only enshrine the coverage requirements into state law, but clarify that the full range of PrEP options, including newer long-acting injectables, must be covered. We thank Governor Meyer, Governor Healey, Mayor Bowser, and the lawmakers who championed these protections that will reduce access barriers, and we urge other states to follow their lead.
Mississippi insurer adds PrEP coverage after complaint, but gaps remain
We are pleased that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi has taken steps to comply with federal preventive coverage requirements by adding these two PrEP drugs. The people of Mississippi deserve the same benefits of innovative HIV prevention tools that other people across the country have access to. But by excluding other long-acting medications, which are recommended in national HIV treatment and prevention guidelines, Mississippians are still not able to access these highly effective drugs that improve patient adherence.
HIV+Hep asks insurance regulators to investigate concerns Highmark may be diverting copay assistance
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute is asking insurance regulators in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to investigate Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for what we believe is an effort to profit by diverting copay assistance from drug manufacturers meant to assist patients and splitting the funds between itself a third-party vendor.
HIV+Hep praises DC for protecting PrEP access
Thanks to the leadership of Councilmembers Zachary Parker and Christina Henderson, DC residents who are at risk of HIV will be able to access all forms of PrEP without cost-sharing or prior authorization. This is particularly important since federal preventive health requirements have recently come under attack. We are especially grateful for the amendment to the bill that will require insurers to cover all PrEP drugs, including new long-acting regimens.
From the office of Gov. Phil Murphy: Governor Murphy signs legislation bolstering health care affordability and accessibility
“Patients with HIV, hepatitis, and so many other health conditions rely on copay assistance to afford their drugs. Healthcare is already expensive and when insurers add additional barriers and costs, such as not counting copay assistance towards a patient’s deductible, patients’ costs significantly increase, jeopardizing medication adherence and their health,” said Carl Schmid, Executive Director, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. “We applaud Governor Murphy for signing this bipartisan legislation to put an end to hidden insurer practices that drive up patient costs.”