On the heels of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the ‘Ready, Set, PrEP’ initiative, a national program that makes medications for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), available at no cost to people without prescription drug insurance coverage. This medication is recommended to be taken daily to prevent HIV.
“PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection when taken as directed,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D. in a statement. “It is a critical tool for ending the HIV epidemic, but to make an impact it has to be available for people who need it most. Ready, Set, PrEP will increase access to this effective and preventive drug for people at risk.”
Beginning no later than March 30, 2020, those qualified can obtain the PrEP medications at the more than 21,000 combined CVS Health, Walgreens, and Rite Aid locations throughout the country.
According to the statement, 'Ready, Set, PrEP' is a key component of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) initiative. Hillsborough County is one of the 57 jurisdictions identified as target areas for the President’s initiative. EHE aims to reduce the number of new HIV transmissions in the United States by 75% in five years and by 90% in 10 years. Pinellas County is another jurisdiction of the EHE initiative in Florida along with Broward, Duval, Miami-Dade, Orange and Palm Beach.
“Ready, Set, PrEP is a historic expansion of access to HIV prevention medication and a major step forward in President Trump’s plan to end the HIV epidemic in America,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Thanks to Ready, Set, PrEP, thousands of Americans who are at risk for HIV, including individuals in Hillsborough County, will now be able to protect themselves and their communities. The Trump Administration recognizes the vital role of prevention in ending the HIV epidemic in America, and connecting members of vulnerable communities to prevention services and medication is an important part of the President’s initiative.”
Working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals can visit 1,400 health centers nationwide, a handful of which are located in Hillsborough and Pinellas County. To find the center nearest to you, visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov and plug in your location.
Just a heads up, in order to qualify for Ready, Set, PrEP, individuals must test negative for HIV, have a valid prescription for the medications, and not have prescription drug coverage. Although all medications are fully covered for qualifying participants, the costs of necessary clinic visits and lab tests are charged based on a sliding scale depending on the individual’s income. To find out if you qualify, visit GetYourPrEP.com or call toll-free 855-447-8410.
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This article appears in Dec 5-12, 2019.