HIV+Hep praises DC for protecting PrEP access

Requires Insurers to Cover All PrEP Drugs Without Cost-Sharing

Washington, D.C. — As the DC Council unanimously passed the PrEP DC Amendment Act (B26-0159) on its first reading today, Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, issued the following statement:

“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. The bill passed out of committee would have required plans to cover only one drug, which is less than current federal requirements. This will provide PrEP users with the opportunity to choose the best drug that meets their needs. We look forward to the bill’s final reading and implementation. No coverage requirement is sufficient without enforcement. DC PrEP users who are facing cost-sharing or prior authorization for their current PrEP drugs, office visits, or labs, are encouraged to file a complaint with the DC’s Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.”

The bill passed by the Council today also incorporated a bill (B26-0101) authored by Councilwoman Brooke Pinto that prohibits discrimination based on PrEP use by life and disability insurance carriers.

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The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute is a national, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions.