Bill > S2883

This bill addresses barriers to accessing HIV prevention medication across multiple sectors in Massachusetts by amending several existing laws. Specifically, the bill requires state health insurance programs, including those for government employees, Medicaid, correctional facilities, and private health insurance plans, to provide HIV prevention drugs (also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP) without any cost-sharing, prior authorization, or other restrictions. The bill defines HIV prevention drugs as FDA-approved medications for preventing HIV transmission, including associated medical services like office visits, laboratory testing, and counseling. For correctional facilities, the bill mandates that inmates who are HIV-negative be provided with information about HIV prevention drugs, evaluated for potential use, and offered a supply of the medication before release, along with post-release medical support. Additionally, the bill ensures that prescriptions for these drugs can be issued by any licensed healthcare practitioner in any practice setting. The comprehensive approach aims to increase access to HIV prevention medication and reduce barriers to obtaining these critical drugs across various healthcare and social service settings in Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Financial Services (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2883