NYS Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Insurance Companies to Cover Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Albany, NY - On the first day of Pride Month, the New York State Legislature passed bill A807/S688, sponsored by Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell and Senator Brad Hoylman, requiring insurance companies to cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The legislation is part of a comprehensive plan to increase access to these revolutionary medicines, and to assist in the fight against the HIV epidemic.
Assembly Member Danny O'Donnell said: "I am very proud that this legislation supporting access to PEP and PrEP has passed. We have seen again and again how critical it is that we ensure that everyone has access to care, prevention, and treatment, and that we commit to the long-fight to ensure healthy outcomes for all. The HIV epidemic isn't over - but this bill gives us one more tool to keep moving forward.
"When I was debating this bill on the floor of the Assembly, I was asked how much this will cost. I reminded my colleague that no matter what it was, it was cheaper, easier, and better for the individual and our health care system to increase access to these preventative medicines, instead of paying for care for those who become HIV positive. This is a bill that helps LGBTQ New Yorkers, communities of color, and those at higher risk of HIV exposure - and supporting these communities is the simple, morally right thing to do."
State Senator Brad Hoylman said, "Even before the recent attacks on LGTBQ+ people by our country's state governments, queer folks face tremendous barriers to being able to live freely and healthily. Social and structural issues-such as HIV stigma, homophobia, and poverty-continue to drive inequities and worsen health outcomes. HIV disproportionately impacts LGBTQ+ folks, and the medications used to combat it, PEP and PrEP, may not be covered by insurance. This bill helps address these health and income inequalities and ensure the safety of our queer communities. I am delighted the New York State Senate passed this bill today, which will make our health system a bit more inclusive and help end the AIDS epidemic."
New York has made remarkable strides in combating the HIV epidemic. But even though we are seeing a decline in the number of New Yorkers newly diagnosed with HIV, our work is not done. Communities of color continue to account for a disproportionate number of new HIV diagnoses. Fully recovering from this epidemic means prioritizing equity in access to vital medical resources like PEP and PrEP. If consistently used, PrEP is as high as 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission through unprotected sex.
In the past few years, New York state has seen bipartisan support for significant pieces of legislation that protect LGBTQIA people, including this bill, which passed the NYS Assembly unanimously several times, the gender neutral bathroom bill, and the Gender Recognition Act. With passage of this bill codifying PEP and PrEP insurance coverage, New York has once again affirmed its commitment to expanding and protecting the rights of our LGBTQIA community members.
Daniel O'Donnell, the first openly gay man in the New York State Assembly, has been a progressive voice in Albany since he was elected to represent the 69th District in 2002. He is a local and national leader of LGBTQ rights having authored and sponsored New York State's Marriage Equality Law, which was signed into law in 2011; the Dignity for All Students Act, which was the first time trans rights were written into New York state law; the legislation prohibiting "gay and trans panic defenses" in 2019, and the 2021 Gender Recognition Act. His district includes Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side. He serves as the Chair of the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee. He is also a member of the Education, Codes, and Environmental Conservation Committees.
