Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medications such as Truvada, Descovy, Apretude, and Yeztugo help prevent HIV, which means it is taken BEFORE exposure to HIV. PrEP reaches maximum effectiveness for receptive anal sex after 7 days of daily use (pill form). For receptive vaginal sex and needle use, PrEP reaches maximum effectiveness after 21 days of daily use.

PrEP is right for you if:

• You have had sex in the past 6 months, and your sexual partner has HIV

• You do not consistently wear condoms during sex

• You have been recently diagnosed with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

• You use needles and share your equipment with another person

• You have taken PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV in the past

If you have insurance:

Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and ask which form of PrEP is covered. According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), PrEP medication and services are required to be covered without cost-sharing for most health plans. This includes long-acting injectable PrEP and two formulations of daily oral PrEP. If they tell you these medications or labs are not covered, you can ask your doctor to send a letter (Prior Authorization) to your insurance company notifying them that you need PrEP. Some pharmaceutical companies offer discount programs like co-pay assistance.

If you are uninsured:

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) help people with no health insurance, and those who are underinsured, afford medications. Most of these programs are managed by pharmaceutical companies and may cover the full cost of your PrEP medication or provide a discount. Regardless of your insurance status, the KC CARE Prevention Team can help you find answers to your questions.

Available at 3501 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO through the CATS Clinic Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm:

• Must have a (-) Negative HIV test from your Primary Care Provider or from CATS clinic

• A tester will help schedule an appointment with a provider, same day. Limited appointments later in the day so arrive early to access an appointment with a KC CARE provider

• If needed, assistance with applying for a Patient Assistance Program, to cover the cost of your PrEP medication, is available

• After a quick assessment with a provider, you will be able to pick-up your medication at a pharmacy of your choosing