HHS has announced Ready, Set, PrEP, a national program that will provide HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications to thousands of Americans. Truvada for PrEP® and Descovy® are safe and effective medications that keep people from getting HIV and this program will bring the nation one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.
More than one million Americans could benefit from taking PrEP medications but only a small percentage are using this effective HIV prevention tool. The Ready, Set, PrEP program provides access to PrEP medications at no cost for people who qualify. Over the next ten years, Ready, Set, PrEP will increase access and ensure these life-changing drugs are available to people at high risk.
To qualify for Ready, Set, PrEP, individuals must test negative for HIV, have a valid prescription, and not have prescription drug coverage. All prescriptions are fully covered for qualifying participants, however, the costs of necessary clinic visits and lab tests may vary depending on income. Individuals can find out if they qualify by visiting GetYourPrep.com or calling 855-447-8410.
For more information about Ready, Set, PrEP, visit HIV.gov. There, you will also find information cards, posters, consumer flyers, and other available resources for easy downloading and printing to help promote the program to potential participants in your community.
Ready, Set, PrEP is a key component of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) initiative. EHE aims to reduce the number of new HIV infections in the United States by 75 percent in five years and by 90 percent in 10 years. By increasing awareness and access to PrEP, the Ready, Set, PrEP program will provide thousands of people a safe, effective way to prevent HIV and bring our nation one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic.
Recognizing the importance of expanded access to HIV PrEP medications, CVS Health, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have donated their dispensing services to HHS. Beginning no later than March 30, 2020, as part of these donations, qualified patients can obtain the PrEP medications at the more than 21,000 combined CVS Health, Walgreens, and Rite Aid locations throughout 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands or through mail order—all at no cost to patients. These pharmacies represent about a third of all the pharmacies in the United States. CVS Health, Walgreens, and Rite Aid will also provide patient counseling and take steps to promote patient adherence to the regimen. Between now and March 30, 2020 patients will be able to access PrEP medications through this program at thousands of participating pharmacies.