PrEP Navigation & Services

What is Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?

“PrEP” stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. The word “prophylaxis” means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is the use of antiretroviral (ARV) medication by HIV-negative individuals at high risk of HIV infection to reduce their risk.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at very high risk of getting HIV to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day or a shot every two months. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.

What is Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?

PEP, in the context of HIV, stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a course of HIV medications taken after a possible exposure to the virus to prevent infection. It’s a time-sensitive intervention that needs to be started within 72 hours (3 days) of the potential exposure. 

How do I pay for PrEP or PEP?

As of December 2019, all major health insurance companies and state-provided insurance in CT will cover PrEP medication at no cost. However, depending on your plan, you may be responsible for co-pays, co-insurance, and/or deductibles. A number of resources are available to help with these costs and can reduce or even eliminate what you pay out of pocket.

Resources for out of pocket payments:

• Gilead’s Co-payment Assistance Program
• ViiV’s Co-payment Assistance Program 
• For more on co-payment assistance programs visit NASTAD.

Prefer getting PrEP online?

Q-care plus in collaboration with Apex Community Care,  offer flexible, convenient options like quick and easy virtual provider visits, convenient at-home or in-person labs, and prescriptions delivered discreetly right to your door. Click here to get PrEP online.

Many of our partners can assist you with enrolling in health insurance and applying for payment assistance programs, if needed. If a convenient location is unable to provide this support, or if you have any questions about whether PrEP is right for you, please contact Mitchell Namias at the Connecticut Department of Public Health at 860-509-7718 or [email protected].