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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 30, 2023 06:05 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tarik Khan and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, Rep. Rick Krajewski, Rep. Greg Scott |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Improving Pennsylvanians’ Access to HIV Prevention |
| Today's ruling by the Texas Supreme Court targets access to HIV preventive services and jeopardizes coverage for millions of Pennsylvanians. Currently, there are 40,600 individuals in Pennsylvania living with HIV. In 2021, there were nearly 1,000 new HIV diagnoses among adults and adolescents in the Commonwealth. Although no cure is currently available for HIV, certain antiretroviral medications can help to prevent the transmission of the disease. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available to individuals who are HIV-negative to prevent HIV. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available to individuals potentially exposed to HIV. Unfortunately, these medications can often be too expensive for the average resident in the Commonwealth. Brand name PrEP medication averages roughly $2,400 for a 30-day supply, and PEP medication ranges from $600 to $1,000 for a 28-day supply. Along with the need for medication are the quarterly lab tests and healthcare provider visits that can total $15,000 a year. Although generic competition has reduced the average cost of daily oral PrEP to less than $20 per month, many insurers still place unnecessary barriers to coverage. To increase accessibility for these medications, we will introduce legislation ensuring health insurance policies cover PrEP and PEP medications, the cost of associated recommended lab tests, and patient visits to a healthcare provider to have PrEP and PEP prescribed or maintained. PrEP and PEP are considered life-saving medications and should be readily available to those in need without the added worry of the price of the medication, lab tests, or healthcare provider visits. Please join us by co-sponsoring this important legislation that would provide Pennsylvanians with access to essential medications that prevent HIV infection. |
Introduced as HB1213
Memo Updated: March 30, 2023 06:06 PM