Gay Health Guide: Getting on PrEP with and without insurance

I know in recent months or even weeks that PrEP has been gaining momentum and more and more people are talking about or even that matter signing up, me being one of them. I decided to sharing my experience and hope that my story helps answers some of the questions about PrEP.

What is PrEP? PrEP, is a short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. What does that mean? Prophylaxis is any action taken to prevent diseases. The disease in this case is HIV and prophylaxis is Truvada. Truvada is an once daily pill that is prescribed by doctor to prevent the spread of HIV. A pill that was created by the pharmaceutical company, Gilead, and it’s a mixed of two anti-retroviral drugs – Tenofovir/Emtricitabine to treat HIV/AIDS.

How to sign up?What is the process? In order to approve to PrEP, you have to contact your doctor and get tested for not only HIV but also for STD/STI. Once you test negative for HIV and clear of any diseases. The nurse draws your blood to test for your two organs – kidney and liver to see if you body can handle the medication. Once you get your test results back, then you will receive a prescription for Truvada. During the process, you will be question on your sexual history and behavior.

The doctor will also mention that you will get tested again every 3 months for several reasons. One, they want to make sure your body is taking the medication well. Two, very important, they want to make sure you are still HIV negative and that you haven’t contracted any STDs.

How to pay for it? Most health providers cover prescription for Truvada. If you don’t have health insurance, there are several extra steps that you must take. For instance, you have to feel out a formal to get assistance from Gilead and/or state for financial assistance. In New York, you will receive an uninsured medical card and show proof that you that you are not eligible to receive health care.

Where to sign up? I recommend going to Callen-Lorde in Chelsea. My experience was great, I felt at ease and the staff was professional and pleasant.

My experience: My doctor recommended me to take the pill with food to prevent from having any side effects. The only changes that I noticed is that my bodily functions were heightened. Other than the removal of anxiety and guilt with having sex, I don’t think much has changed most but peace of mind.

I am not hear to tell anyone what to do or how to have sex; however, I hope this post helps answers some questions that you might have about PrEP and help you decide if PrEP is right for you.

For more information, check out http://www.prepwatch.org/
Medical Assistance – http://www.truvada.com/truvada-patient-assistance
NY Dept. of Health – https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/

Much Love and Cum
DC