PrEP

What is PrEP?

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a daily pill that can greatly reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%

• It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sharing needles by more than 70%
• Lower your risk of getting HIV from sex even more if you take PrEP and use other prevention methods.
• You must visit your doctor every three months to repeat your HIV test, refill your prescription, and additional testing for side-effects
• Don't take PrEP unless it has been prescribed for you by your doctor
  

How do I pay for PrEP in Mecklenburg County?

If you have health insurance:

• Call your insurance provider to find out if the medication and provider visits are covered.
  
• Talk to your primary care provider or visit PrEP Locator or ​UNC Chapel Hill to identify PrEP providers near you.
  
• Co-pay assistance programs help lower the costs of PrEP medications if you have a co-pay after applying insurance benefits. Visit Gilead’s Patient Assistance Program or Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief Program to apply.
  

If you DON'T have health insurance:

• Check to see if you qualify for coverage under Medicaid or Affordable Care Act.
  
• Apply for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Ready, Set, PrEP Program or call the toll-free number 855-447-8410 to see if you qualify.
  
• If you need help paying for the medication, the manufacturer of PrEP offers assistance. The program does not cover the cost of clinical visits or labs. Visit Gilead's Advancing Access or call 1-800-226-2056 to apply.
  
• For prescription clinical visits or labs, visit MedLink of Mecklenburg County to identify free or low cost clinics near you.
  
• Call 704-432-TEST for additional help.