An estimated 40,000 people are diagnosed with HIV annually and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plan is to distribute HIV prevention medication free to individuals who do not have prescription drug insurance coverage. The initiative is part of the Trump administration’s effort to reduce the number of new HIV infections by 90 percent in 10 years.
Officials estimate that up to 200,000 people who could benefit from PrEP, don’t have insurance. Of the 1.2 million people who could benefit from PrEP, only about 18 percent had received a prescription for the drug last year, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Called “Ready, Set, PrEP,” the federal program w ill provide patients at risk of contracting HIV one of the two pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs. Those medications can reduce the chances of getting HIV through sex by more than 90 percent.
The medications, Truvada and Descovy, are made possible in part by a donation from the drug’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences. Both medications are once-a-day pills. Initially, the federal government is paying Gilead roughly $200 per bottle to cover the cost of distribution and dispensing the drug at pharmacies.
Without insurance, a 30-day supply of the drugs runs between $1,600 and $2,000.
“We certainly believe that this program will supply all those in need who are uninsured,” said Dr. Brett Giroir, acting FDA commissioner.
Potential participants must meet three criteria: They must test negative for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS; they need a prescription for the drug from a medical provider; and they must be uninsured or have health insurance that does not cover prescription drugs. The program will re-verify participants twice a year. They will also need to be tested for HIV every three months and the program will not cover the costs of these tests or clinic visits.
Candidates can get more information by visiting www.GetYourPrep.com. Those interested can also visit www.locator.hiv.gov/ to find local health providers and community health centers to enroll. For more information, call (855) 447-8410.
Once approved, patients will receive a 30- or 60-day supply of whichever drug their doctor prescribed. The drugs will be available in at least 21,000 CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid locations nationwide. Through the programs partnership with the three pharmacy chains, patients can receive counseling.
Patients who have been getting help for the cost of PrEP through Gilead’s medication assistance program over the past 12 months are not eligible for the government-sponsored drugs.
