PrEP

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What is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?

Lone Star Circle of Care is now offering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP for short. PrEP is a daily pill, when taken as prescribed, to prevent the transmission of HIV. There are two medications approved for use as PrEP: Truvada® and Descovy®. Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP.

Is PrEP right for me?

PrEP might be for you if you:

1. Have multiple partners

2. Are practicing unsafe sex such as not using a condom

3. Use drugs or share needles

4. Have a partner who is HIV Positive

For personalized guidance on PrEP and medication coverage options, schedule a consultation with a Lone Star Circle of Care HIV Prevention Navigator. They can answer your questions and connect you with resources.

What is the Ready, Set, PrEP Program?

Ready, Set, PrEP (RSP) is a nationwide program led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is a key component of Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) initiative to expand access to PrEP and reduce new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. The program allows PrEP medication to be available at no cost for qualifying recipients.

To receive PrEP medication through this program, you must:

  • Lack of prescription drug coverage
  • Be tested for HIV with a negative result
  • Have a prescription for PrEP

What if I don’t have insurance?

Our HIV prevention navigators can enroll you into the Ready, Set, PrEP program to get your medication at no cost to you.

What if I have insurance?

Even if you have insurance, our HIV prevention navigators can assist you in enrolling in a patient assistance program. This program is usually offered through the pharmaceutical company that makes the medication. Click here to learn more.

How do I qualify for the program?

i. Must have a negative HIV result

ii. Have a valid prescription from your healthcare provider

iii. Be uninsured or lack insurance that covers prescription drugs.

Why can I only use certain pharmacies through the program?

Certain pharmacies have partnered with the program to donate their medication dispensing services. If you would like to find an eligible pharmacy, click here to learn more.

I am interested in PrEP, what do I do next?

Schedule an appointment with one of our primary care providers

To learn more about PrEP and how to cover the cost of your medications, contact a Lone Star Circle of Care HIV Prevention Navigator.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks your immune system. Once contracted, HIV is a lifelong disease and there is currently no cure. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

HIV Prevention

Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America is an initiative announced in 2019 to reduce the number of new HIV infections by 75% within 5 years, and by at least 90% within 10 years. In accordance with the initiative, Lone Star Circle of Care provides HIV testing and navigation support so that patients at risk for HIV have access to proven interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP), that significantly reduce the risk of getting HIV, patients diagnosed with HIV receive treatment to live healthy lives.

Click here to learn more about the key achievements of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States (EHE) initiative.

HIV Testing

LSCC tests patients aged 15 through 65 for HIV at the start of routine care and recommends annual testing for patients at higher risk for HIV. Patients may decline testing at any time. Click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about HIV Testing.

HIV Treatment

Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy, the medicine used to treat HIV, individuals with HIV who take their medicine as prescribed and, as a result, maintain an undetectable viral load can live long, healthy lives and have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to a partner.

For patients diagnosed with HIV, Lone Star Circle of Care provides referrals to specialized medical care and treatment for the management of HIV. Referral is provided to the following clinics offering HIV treatment and other services to support the health of persons living with HIV.

** Avenue 360 (Houston)

** David Powell Health Center (Austin)

For help navigating an HIV diagnosis and/or referral to treatment, schedule an appointment with a primary care provider.

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