The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute write[s] to express our strong opposition to the proposed limits to the prescription drug formulary that have been included as part of Oregon’s 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver. The stated goal of the waiver is to promote greater equity; however, not only do we believe what Oregon is proposing is not legal, but it will have the opposite effect of promoting equity. We urge you to not include these proposals in your waiver submission.
Comments on the USPSTF draft research plan “Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Preexposure Prophylaxis”
We urge the USPSTF to consider the following two recommendations as it finalizes its plan “Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Preexposure Prophylaxis”: research should explicitly evaluate and describe the ancillary services that are integral to the PrEP intervention and the USPSTF should adopt a more nimble and timely review of the PrEP recommendation as new products see clinical trial success.
Letter in support of the “PrEP Assistance Program Act”
PrEP is a critical component to ending the HIV epidemic; however, its uptake has been limited, particularly in communities most at risk of HIV, including Black and Latino gay men and Black women. While there are established government programs that are funded for the treatment of HIV, there is no comprehensive nationwide program dedicated for the provision of PrEP. The “PrEP Assistance Program Act” would help fill that void by providing grants to states, community-based organizations, community health centers, and others to establish and support PrEP programs.
Comments on draft hepatitis federal implementation plan
We cannot achieve the goal of ending hepatitis without increased funding for the key elements of the strategy, including testing, treating, and vaccination. Increasing resources for hepatitis elimination must be our first priority. While this draft hepatitis federal implementation plan was drafted with current resources in mind, there are areas where we would suggest some strengthening.
CDC responds to HIV community request led by HIV+Hep to allow HIV prevention funds for PrEP ancillary services
We know that access to quality PrEP care is critical to HIV prevention efforts and we will continue to work with our partners to look for ways to expand PrEP services and commit to equitably expanding access to and uptake of PrEP. As part of Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S., state and local communities (in partnership with CDC and other federal agencies) are employing innovative strategies, such as telePrEP and same-day PrEP delivery, to increase access to and use of PrEP. These efforts focus on African American and Latino gay and bisexual men, African American women, and other populations disproportionately affected by HIV. We appreciate the input from you and your co-signatories and our partnership in HIV prevention.