The bill, known as Substitute Senate Bill No. 1068, mandates the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish a statewide program for providing financial assistance for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications. This program will utilize appropriated AIDS Services funding, which must be at least $25,000 annually. The new program replaces an existing initiative that provided the same amount of funding specifically for post-exposure prophylaxis for uninsured or underinsured victims of sexual assault. The financial assistance will cover various costs associated with obtaining these medications, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, prioritizing individuals at increased risk of HIV or those who have recently been exposed to the virus.

Additionally, the bill allows the DPH commissioner to adopt regulations to implement the program and to establish necessary policies and procedures while the formal regulations are being developed. These policies will remain valid until the final regulations are adopted. The bill aims to enhance access to critical HIV prevention medications for individuals at risk, ensuring that the program serves as a payer of last resort for those unable to afford the treatments.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 432: