U.S. Senator Tina Smith & U.S. Representative Adam Schiff Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving HIV Prevention Drugs

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation that will expand access to lifesaving HIV prevention medications.

The "PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2021" addresses the underutilization of HIV prevention drugs - known as PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) - in high risk communities by ensuring these medications and any associated costs are covered by health insurance. The measure also establishes community public health campaigns, and it expands access to the drugs for uninsured individuals and underserved communities.

The PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2021 is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and in the House by Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Representatives Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.).

"Every person deserves access to affordable, high quality health care," said Sen. Smith. "Too many people in Minnesota and across this country are unduly burdened by the high costs of HIV drugs, and many others are going without this lifesaving preventative medication. This bill takes an important step towards ensuring that these highly effective medications are accessible and affordable for every patient who needs them."

"The high cost of prescription drugs is an urgent problem impacting Americans across the country," said Klobuchar. "With this legislation we are taking action by making crucial HIV prevention drugs more affordable. As a longtime advocate for lowering health care costs, I'll keep working to help people access the medications they need."

"Preventative medications like PrEP and PEP are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect individuals against HIV. But what isn't always easy, especially for those at the highest risk of infection, is obtaining that medication. High out-of-pocket costs, lack of comprehensive coverage, and underfunded public awareness and outreach campaigns still stand between at-risk communities and life-saving medication," said Rep. Schiff. "Our health care system must provide access to these preventative treatments for every patient who needs them -- regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, income level, or health care coverage. The PrEP Access and Coverage Act would help us close those gaps, so that no one has to suffer from a now-preventable disease."

The PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2021 would address the significant disparities among those who are recommended to take HIV prevention drugs, and those who are prescribed the medication by:

Ensuring comprehensive health insurance coverage of HIV prevention drugs by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for the medication and associated costs for individuals who are enrolled in federally regulated private and public health insurance.

Prohibiting prior authorization requirements for HIV prevention drugs under private and public health insurance plans.

Prohibiting denying coverage or increasing premiums for disability insurance, long-term care insurance, or life insurance policies based on a person taking medication for HIV prevention.

Directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to establish public health education campaigns to increase utilization of PEP and PrEP among individuals at risk of contracting HIV.

Establishing a grant program for States, Territories, Tribes, and health care facilities, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and family planning centers, to expand access to PrEP and PEP for uninsured individuals and underserved communities.

The legislation has been endorsed by the following organizations: National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute, The AIDS Institute, Whitman-Walker Health, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Planned Parenthood North Central States, Rainbow Health, The Aliveness Project, WeARE The Clinic, APLA Health.

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