PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act

# PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill aims to improve access to preventive medications for HIV. Specifically, it would support the distribution and use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)—drugs that can prevent HIV infection when taken before or after potential exposure to the virus. The bill treats these medications as legitimate prevention tools rather than just treatments, potentially expanding insurance coverage, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and increasing public awareness about how these drugs can prevent new HIV infections. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily benefit people at higher risk of HIV exposure, including healthcare workers, people in serodiscordant relationships (where one partner has HIV and one doesn't), and communities disproportionately affected by HIV.

By framing PrEP and PEP as prevention rather than treatment, the legislation could influence insurance coverage policies, reduce patient costs, and improve access in underserved areas. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. Committee status means it's still in the early legislative stage and may be debated, modified, or set aside without further action.