We, the undersigned 46 organizations, on behalf of millions of American patients who live with complex, chronic health conditions such as HIV, autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and hepatitis, are pleased that your committee and Congress are focused on advancing policies and measures that improve prescription drug affordability and access for the American people. We believe there are clear actions that Congress can take right now to help patients access, afford, and adhere to the medications they need to stay healthy. However, several proposals on the table would create great challenges for those we serve and have negative implications for vulnerable communities and future treatment innovations.
Letter to USPSTF requesting an update of PrEP recommendations to include long-acting agents
HIV+Hep & 62 organizations send a letter to USPSTF requesting an update of PrEP recommendations to include long-acting agents.
Comments in support of hepatitis B universal adult vaccination
HIV+Hep strongly supports a recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination for all adults. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective, with over 1 billion doses administered worldwide and is estimated to have prevented over 310 million infections worldwide between 1990 and 2020. Despite highly effective vaccines, up to 2.4 million people in the United States may be living with chronic hepatitis B, and there are up to 80,000 new cases of hepatitis B each year. With the proper guidance and resources, each new infection is preventable.
Letter in support of holding a hearing on Michigan HB 4353
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute strongly supports Michigan House Bill 43534, which would require health insurers to accept and count payments made on behalf of patients towards deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums and ask that you conduct a hearing on the bill as soon as possible.
Comments recommending PrEP in STI counseling and Well-Woman Preventive Visits
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute submitted the following comments to the Women’s Preventive Services Institute recommending that HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) be included for all women at risk of HIV as part of sexually transmitted infection counseling and as part of the Well-Woman Preventive visits, as they update HRSA’s recommended preventive services for women.