An Act to address barriers to HIV prevention medication
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to remove barriers to accessing HIV prevention medication in Massachusetts. It mandates that the state’s health insurance commission, the Department of Correction, and other entities cover preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs without requiring cost-sharing, prior authorization, or restrictions on healthcare providers. Furthermore, it requires correctional facilities to provide information and access to PrEP for eligible inmates prior to release and ensures pharmacists can prescribe these medications.
Key provisions
- Requires state health insurance commissions to cover PrEP drugs without cost-sharing or prior authorization.
- Authorizes licensed pharmacists to prescribe PrEP drugs.
- Mandates that the Department of Correction provide PrEP information and access to inmates prior to release.
- Specifies comprehensive HIV prevention drug services, including office visits, lab testing, STI testing, adherence counseling, and other relevant health services.
- Prohibits denial of PrEP prescriptions based on the prescribing practitioner’s type or venue.
- Requires correctional facilities to connect released inmates with post-release medical services.
- Addresses definitions of ‘HIV’ and ‘HIV prevention drug’ for clarity.
- Expands coverage of PrEP to include individuals insured under the Commonwealth’s group health insurance commission.
Who is affected
- Individuals in Massachusetts seeking HIV prevention medication
Bill text
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Sponsors
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4 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsors
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