PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” a method of preventing the transmission of HIV. A person who is HIV negative but at higher risk than average for contracting HIV can take two HIV medications (in one tablet) on a regular basis and, by doing so, greatly diminish the chance of acquiring HIV if exposed to the virus.
First find out why the provider is refusing to prescribe PrEP for you—and then contact Lambda Legal’s Help Desk. There are very few legitimate medical reasons for refusing to prescribe this medication upon request. We want to hear about health care providers who are refusing to prescribe PrEP so that we can address this significant obstacle to care.
No. Your decision to take PrEP is a completely private matter between you and your health care provider. There are no laws that require a person to disclose use of PrEP.
There should be no effect on your ability to obtain either, but that doesn’t mean that an insurance company will not try to deny coverage on this basis. If you or someone you know experiences difficulty obtaining health or life insurance as a result of using PrEP, please contact our Help Desk.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact our Help Desk if you feel you have experienced discrimination.