Governor Kathy Hochul of New York signed a law that requires insurance companies to cover pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a means of preventing HIV infection.
“New York was once the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and we have a moral obligation to continue the fight to end the epidemic once and for all,” Hochul said in a statement. “PrEP and PEP are essential tools that help prevent new HIV infections and every eligible New Yorker should have access to these lifesaving drugs.”
the New York one Local Spectrum News reported that the new HIV effort comes after the state has dropped the ball in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state pledged to end the outbreak in 2014, but saw a massive increase in infections between 2020 and 2021.
The new law will require insurance policies to cover the cost of PrEP, which can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection for people at high risk of infection.
“Expanding access to PrEP and PEP, which prevent new infections, will help stem the spread [of HIV]”, State Senator Brad Hoylman said in a statement. “With the signing of this bill, New York renews its commitment to public health, especially in the LGBTQ community.”
Hochul’s office said New York has the highest PrEP coverage in the country, with more people receiving treatment than any jurisdiction.
“The epidemic is not over,” said Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell. “This is a bill that helps LGBTQ people, communities of color and anyone at high risk of exposure to HIV by ensuring that lack of insurance coverage will never be a barrier to access to PEP and PrEP.”