A new bipartisan bill aims to eliminate cost barriers and expand access to PrEP by mandating comprehensive coverage and launching a national program for uninsured populations.
A group of Democratic lawmakers has introduced the “PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026,” a sweeping proposal designed to significantly expand access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective tool for preventing HIV. Led by Sens. Tina Smith and Adam Schiff, along with Reps. Mark Takano, Becca Balint, and Mark Pocan, the legislation seeks to remove financial and systemic barriers that have limited PrEP uptake across the United States. The bill would require both private and public insurers to cover all forms of PrEP—including newer long-acting options—without patient cost-sharing or prior authorization requirements. Lawmakers also aim to strengthen federal oversight by mandating enforcement and annual reporting from insurers, addressing ongoing compliance gaps with existing coverage rules.
The bill would eliminate out-of-pocket costs and prior authorization barriers for all PrEP medications, including long-acting options.
A new federal grant program would expand access to PrEP for uninsured and underserved populations nationwide.
The legislation includes enforcement measures and anti-discrimination protections to ensure equitable and consistent access to HIV prevention tools
“We have a national HIV treatment program, but in order to end HIV, we need a comprehensive national HIV PrEP program,” Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, said in a statement.
A key component of the legislation is the creation of a national grant program to provide PrEP and related services to uninsured and underserved populations. Funding would support state programs, community health centers, and outreach initiatives to improve awareness and access in communities disproportionately affected by HIV.
In addition, the bill includes provisions to launch public health education campaigns and prohibits discrimination against individuals using PrEP in life, disability, and long-term care insurance policies.
Reference
Comprehensive national PrEP bills to prevent HIV introduced. HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. Press release. March 4, 2026. Accessed March 19, 2026.
