Talking to your provider about PrEP

Now that you’ve decided to add PrEP to your self-care routine, what’s next? Since PrEP isn’t available over the counter, you must visit your health care provider for a prescription. Here are a few things to know about talking PrEP with your provider.

Your provider may not know about PrEP
Some health care providers may not be familiar with PrEP. Be prepared to share information from the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC provides basic information for doctors about PrEP, as well as testing and screening procedures.

Begin the conversation
Different people have different reasons for taking PrEP. Be prepared to talk to your provider about why you want to start. Here are a few lines that might help you begin the conversation:

“I’ve researched HIV prevention strategies and PrEP seems best for me.”

“I use condoms but want the extra protection that PrEP provides.”

“My condom use is not always the best, so PrEP provides the safety net I need.”

Your provider may be hesitant to prescribe PrEP
Your health care provider may not know enough about PrEP or may feel that it’s a green light for condomless sex. Regardless of their reasons, you deserve a provider who’s looking out for your best interests. If your provider is uncomfortable with prescribing PrEP, find one that’s on your side! Ask friends if they can know any PrEP-friendly providers. You can also search this interactive map of health care providers in Massachusetts.

Know the facts about starting and staying on PrEP
In order for PrEP to work, you must take it as prescribed, aka as a regular part of your self-care routine. Missing a dose could increase your chances of getting HIV. You must also be HIV-negative to start taking PrEP, which means you provider will perform an HIV test before prescribing it. You’ll also need to be re-tested every three months or so, depending on your provider’s guidelines.

Research insurance and payment options
Before stepping into the provider’s office to start PrEP, review your insurance coverage to be sure it’s covered. If your insurance doesn’t cover PrEP or if you don’t have insurance, the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Drug Assistance Program (PrEPDAP) helps Massachusetts residents pay for approved medications, such as PrEP. Other programs offered by Gilead, the makers of Truvada® for PrEP and Descovy® for PrEP, may also help cover the cost.