Relates to requiring insurance coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to requiring insurance coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection

Purpose

The purpose of this legislation is to require that any insurance policy which provides coverage for prescription drugs shall include coverage for the cost of pre and post-exposure prophylaxis for the purposes of HIV prevention.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends section 3216 of the insurance law by adding a new paragraph 33.

Section 2 amends section 3221 of the insurance law by adding a new paragraph 19.

Section 3 amends section 4303 of the insurance law by adding a new subsection (oo).

Section 4 establishes the effective date.

Justification

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are two important tools for preventing the spread of HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people at high risk of contracting HIV by up to 92% when taken consistently. Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens are antiretroviral drugs taken to stop the spread of HIV after a single high-risk event. PEP can be used to treat health care workers who have been exposed to the blood or body fluids of HIV-positive patients, as well as people who have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or sexual assault.

Allowing access to PrEP and PEP is an important part of the fight to end the AIDS epidemic in New York. This legislation would ensure that insurance policies covering prescription drugs include coverage for PrEP and PEP.

Prior legislative history

None, new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.