Assembly Bill 554 would require health plans and insurers to cover all antiretroviral drugs used for PrEP and PEP.

Backers say it is a hedge against federal efforts to make HIV-prevention drugs less accessible.

State lawmakers are considering a bill meant to protect access to HIV prevention drugs for insured Californians as threats from the federal government continue.

Assembly Bill 554 would require health plans and insurers to cover all antiretroviral drugs used for PrEP and PEP regimens. The drugs just have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and would not require prior authorization. The bill would also prevent health plans from forcing patients to first try a less expensive drug before choosing a more expensive, specialty option.

The bill requires insurance provid

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