Employer-Provided Health Insurance Coverage of PrEP: What You Need to Know

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a topic of much debate since its inception. One of the most recent controversies surrounding the ACA is a federal judge’s ruling that employer-provided insurance coverage of PrEP, an HIV prevention drug treatment, violates a Texas employer’s religious beliefs.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is a once-daily pill that can help prevent HIV infection in people who are at high risk of contracting the virus. It is effective at reducing the risk of HIV infection by up to 99% when taken as prescribed.

The ACA and PrEP

The ACA requires most employers to provide health insurance coverage to their employees. This coverage must include essential health benefits, which include preventive services such as PrEP.

The Federal Judge’s Ruling

In February 2023, a federal judge in Texas ruled that employer-provided insurance coverage of PrEP violates a Texas employer’s religious beliefs. The judge found that PrEP is a form of contraception and that the employer’s religious beliefs prohibit them from providing coverage for contraception.

The Impact of the Ruling

The ruling is a significant setback for HIV prevention efforts in the United States. PrEP is an essential tool for preventing HIV infection, and the ruling will make it more difficult for people to access this life-saving medication.

What You Can Do

If you are concerned about the impact of the ruling on your access to PrEP, there are a few things you can do:

Contact your elected officials. Let them know that you support the ACA and that you believe that everyone should have access to PrEP.
Contact your health insurance provider. Ask your insurance provider if they cover PrEP and what the cost of coverage is.
Consider getting PrEP from a community health center. Community health centers often provide PrEP at a reduced cost or for free.

The ACA is a vital part of our healthcare system. It provides health insurance coverage to millions of Americans and it ensures that everyone has access to essential health benefits, including PrEP. The federal judge’s ruling is a setback for HIV prevention efforts, but it is important to remember that the ACA is still in place and that it is still the law of the land.