Bill > S717

This bill strengthens HIV prevention efforts across multiple areas of Massachusetts healthcare and correctional systems by mandating comprehensive coverage and access to HIV prevention drugs (known as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis). Specifically, the bill requires state health insurance programs, group health insurance, medical service plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover HIV prevention drugs without any cost-sharing, prior authorization, or restrictive protocols. The bill also ensures that these drugs can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare practitioner in any practice setting. Additionally, the bill requires state and county correctional facilities to provide inmates who are HIV-negative with information about HIV prevention drugs, evaluate them for potential PrEP use, and offer a supply of the medication prior to release, along with post-release medical monitoring. The legislation defines HIV prevention drugs as FDA-approved preexposure prophylaxis medications and includes related services like laboratory testing, sexually transmitted infection screening, and medication counseling. By removing financial and administrative barriers, the bill aims to increase access to HIV prevention treatments and reduce new HIV infections across the Commonwealth.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S717