Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

What is PrEP?

Concerned you may have recently been exposed to HIV? Taking PEP within 72-hours may stop infection. Contact your provider, local health department, Emergency Department, or EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, or Prevention Services Partner immediately. Learn more about PEP

Typical PrEP care includes certain laboratory services and regular visits with a provider. PrEP does not protect against other transmitted infections or pregnancy, so condoms and other prevention methods may be recommended. Learn more about PrEP

Interested in PrEP?

Start by talking to your provider or a provider that contracts with PrEP DAP to find out if PrEP is an prevention method that works for you. It is important to find a provider that is willing to prescribe and knowledgeable about PrEP. Choosing a provider who can bill your health insurance, Medicaid, or Washington’s PrEP DAP can help reduce how much you will pay for PrEP medications, medical and laboratory services.

Talking to a Provider About PrEP

Public Health recommends that providers routinely ask all adolescent and adult patients if they have sex with men, women or both men and women. It’s also recommended that providers discuss PrEP with all their patients who are sexually active or inject non-prescribed substances. As with all medical therapies, patients and their providers ultimately decide what treatments and preventive practices are best for them.

Consider Discussing PrEP with your provider if:

You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and you:

have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load),
have not consistently used a condom, or
have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease in the past 6 months.

You inject drugs and you:

have an injection partner with HIV, or
share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers).

You have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and you:

report continued risk behavior, or
have used multiple courses of PEP.

You may choose to take PrEP, even if the behaviors listed above don’t apply to you. Talk to your provider.

Paying for PrEP

PrEP medication costs vary depending on the method and brand prescribed by the provider. Typically generic, one daily pill option costs can be as low as $0-$40 per month. Brand daily pill and injection-method option costs can be more than $2,000 per month.

PrEP Drug Assistance Programs

There are multiple programs to help pay for PrEP medication and related health care costs. Each program offers different support and eligibility criteria vary. Local Prevention Service Navigation Partners can help you apply for these PrEP Drug Assistance Programs.

Payment Assistance Programs

Daily Pill Medication Assistance (external CDC site) may be offered by the drug company, Gilead. There are different programs and criteria, and assistance is limited to paying for PrEP medication.

ArrayRx Card is a digital card that offers up to 80% savings on medication for all Washington residents. There is no membership, age limits, income restrictions, or fees to join.

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) provides complete coverage for sexual health and PrEP-related doctor visits, laboratory services, medications.

The Washington State PrEP Drug Assistance Program (PrEP DAP) may be able to help people living in Washington who need assistance paying for generic PrEP or medical and laboratory services related to PrEP. Assistance may be offered to people with health insurance or are unable to get health insurance. Medical and laboratory services must be provided by a provider that is contracted with PrEP DAP. Questions? Email PrEPDAP@doh.wa.gov or call 360-236-3412.

Find a PrEP DAP contracted provider

screengrab of Prep Providers map in ARC GIS

The Interactive PrEP DAP Contracted Provider Map and PrEP DAP Contracted Provider List contain the same information, displayed in different formats. When selecting a contracted provider office listed, keep in mind that there is no guarantee they are accepting new patients. Please contact the provider office you select to ensure availability and type of insurance accepted. New providers are added often so check back for updates.

Prevention Service Partners

If you have questions about accessing PrEP in your area, contact a local Prevention Service Navigation Partner. They are knowledgeable about the resources and providers in your area. They can also support you in enrolling in a health insurance plan and other medication assistance programs.