FAQ
What is PrEP?
-
Pre = before
-
Exposure = coming into contact with HIV
-
Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent an infection
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective way to prevent HIV. Taking PrEP significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV, and is shown to work for prevention against transmission through sex and injection drug use.*
*Please note, PrEP is not a contraceptive, and cannot be used to prevent pregnancy or other forms of sexually transmitted disease that would otherwise be prevented by condom use.
Does insurance cover PrEP?
Insured: Co-payments or deductibles may make PrEP seem unaffordable, but there are numerous assistance programs that can help cover out-of-pocket costs. Insurance companies are increasingly covering PrEP with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Uninsured: No insurance? No problem! A lack of insurance isn't a barrier to accessing PrEP. Many clinical providers have low cost/ sliding scale payments, and there are income based programs that can help cover the costs of uninsured patients.
There is also a program which helps uninsured individuals access PrEP at no cost:
How can I access PrEP in Maine?
Maine is home to many service providers who can assist you in accessing PrEP and other sexual health options, regardless of your ability to pay.
For more information on where to access PrEP and for other HIV and sexual health services like testing and insurance co-pay support, check out our Service Providers page.
Connect with PrEP
We're here for you!
PrEP207 is dedicated to providing Mainers access to information they need on PrEP. If you have any questions about PrEP, please contact us at:
207-553-PREP
Paying for PrEP
The following providers work closely with patients to ensure that prescription cost does not limit accessibility to PrEP.
For more information on how these resources assist with PrEP costs, please reference their websites:
Portland Public Health STD Clinic→
Ready, Set, PrEP
Ready, Set, PrEP is a federal program dedicated to increasing PrEP access for uninsured individuals. To qualify you must:
-
Lack current prescription drug coverage
-
Individuals must be tested for HIV and receive a negative result
-
Individuals must have a prescription for PrEP
Patient Assistance Programs
Several national organizations provide co-pay assistance for PrEP and other HIV medications. Some of these include:
The Patient Access Network Foundation's HIV Treatment & Prevention Program →
The Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief Program →
Good Days' HIV and AIDS Treatment & Prevention Program→
Gilead Advancing Access Program
The Advancing Access Program by Gilead — the makers of Truvada® and Descovy®— offers patients financial assistance for PrEP prescription co-pays.
PrEP Cost Calculator
NASTAD's PrEP cost calculator provides information on the cost of PrEP and allows users to view various health care plans