New Rhode Island Law Protects Access to HIV medications like PrEP
Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee just signed a new law that will protect access to HIV medications like PrEP. PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylactics, can prevent HIV transmission with nearly 100% effectiveness if taken accurately. It can also prevent HIV transmission from injection drug use by around 74%.
PrEP prescriptions often require regular STI testing, which can catch diseases early on. The medication is specifically instrumental for the LGBTQ+ community. Gay and bisexual men are some of the groups most affected by HIV, making access to PrEP vital. That said, anyone can take it regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status.
HIV-related medications can be inaccessible to many, specifically impoverished or homeless people. The bill, “An Act Relating To Insurance Coverage For Prevention Of HIV Infection,” will remove many of the barriers to receiving PrEP.
The bill targets insurance practices like cost-sharing, high deductibles, step therapy, and prior authorization. Prior authorization requires patients to wait for insurance approval to receive a desired medication, while step therapy forces patients to try alternate medications before the prescribed one.
Both practices are expensive and time-consuming for healthcare providers and patients. Removing these obstacles will make medications like PrEP more accessible and affordable to people in need. Additionally, the bill will support access to different forms of HIV medication, including injections. Injections are often beneficial to those who have trouble swallowing pills or taking medication more often.
Most insurance plans in Colorado cover PrEP, although co-payments and deductibles may apply. The state of Colorado offers assistance through programs like Colorado Medicaid and PHIP. PHIP (Public Health Intervention Program) is available to Colorado residents with an income 500% less than the Federal Poverty Level. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has online resources about PrEP and PrEP accessibility.
The Rhode Island bill, H7625/S2255, will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
Image Courtesy of UCLA Health
