Massachusetts HIV Legislation Strategy

The Massachusetts House of Representatives has advanced legislation that will protect their residents from any reversal of federal policies critical to ending the HIV epidemic. The measure codifies into state statute current federal law & policy that requires insurance coverage for all FDA-approved HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications without co-pays, deductibles, or prior authorization. Kenneth Mayer, MD, Medical Research Director & Co-Chair of The Fenway Institute stated, "The Massachusetts House, with leadership from Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Leader Moran, and Chairman Lewis, has taken a critical step to protect public health & ensure access to one of the most powerful HIV prevention tools ever developed. PrEP can protect people against HIV infection, yet only about a third of eligible people in Massachusetts have a prescription. Cost, prior authorization & other barriers have long stood in the way, particularly for the communities most impacted by the epidemic. By codifying these protections in state law, Massachusetts is making clear that it prioritizes infectious disease prevention & reducing racial disparities in the HIV epidemic.” Ben Klein, Senior Director of Litigation & HIV Law at GLAD Law concluded, “We are grateful to Speaker Ron Mariano, House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz & Majority Leader Michael Moran for recognizing that we cannot rely on a federal government that has shown hostility to HIV prevention & public health. This legislation will ensure that Massachusetts does not slide backwards in efforts to end the epidemic. We also express our deep appreciation to the sponsor of the House bill, Representative Jack Lewis, for his steadfast dedication to HIV prevention.”

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