HB 2958 HIV prevention drug insurance coverage

VOTE: NO
Signed into Law by Gov Brown on 06-23-21
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/HB2958

This bill requires commercial health insurers to cover antiretroviral prescription drugs and allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense 30-day supply of pre-exposure prophylactic antiretroviral drug.

Fiscal Responsibility
It will cause an increase in prescription coverage to subsidized the support of a habit of pleasure.

Limited Government
Based on significant advances in the use of antiretroviral drugs, clinical guidelines recommend the use of antiretroviral drugs for the prevention and treatment of HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is now considered an effective HIV prevention tool for at-risk individuals (e.g., a population whose HIV incidence rate is at least 2% per year) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). PrEP involves taking oral medications, daily, to lower an individual’s chances of HIV infection. Research indicates PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection by 99% for sexually transmitted HIV and approximately 74% for individuals exposed to HIV through drug use. Use of a postexposure prophylaxis (or PEP) is also recommend for individuals who suspect exposure to HIV. PEP involves taking antiretroviral medicines within 72 hours after possible exposure. HB 2958A requires commercial health insurers to cover antiretroviral prescription drugs and allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense these drugs. Directs Board to allow pharmacists to prescribe, dispense, and administer 30-day supply of pre-exposure prophylactic antiretroviral drug based on a negative HIV test. Requires insurers to reimburse pharmacists for services related to prescribing, dispensing, and administering pre-exposure and post-exposure drug.