Ready, Set, PrEP Program Removes Cost Barrier to Increase Access to PrEP Medications Nationwide
Ready, Set, PrEP is a new nationwide program led by HHS that provides PrEP medications for free to thousands of individuals who qualify. The program will expand access to PrEP medications, reduce new HIV infections, and bring us one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. To check eligibility and enroll in the program click here.
NOTE: Patients enrolled in the Ready, Set, PrEP program fill their prescription for PrEP medication at no cost at their choice of participating pharmacies or through mail.
Ready, Set, PrEP Expands Access to HIV Prevention Medications
Ready, Set, PrEP is a nationwide program that makes PrEP medications available at no cost to individuals who lack prescription drug coverage. Although more than one million people who are at risk for HIV in the United States could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications, fewer than one in four receive it. To address a cost barrier for some individuals who might otherwise wish to use PrEP, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched Ready, Set, PrEP in December 2019, as an integral part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
Why Should I Take PrEP Medication?
PrEP medications allow those at risk for HIV to take control of their health and reduce their risk. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, ask a healthcare professional if PrEP medication is right for you. PrEP medications only protect against HIV, so condoms are still important to prevent other sexually transmitted infections.
How Does PrEP Work?
PrEP medications are safe and effective and can help prevent HIV. When taken prior to an exposure, PrEP medications can work to prevent HIV. Learn more about PrEP basics.
Do I Qualify?
The Ready, Set, PrEP program provides access to PrEP medications at no cost to people who qualify. To receive PrEP through the program, you must:
- Test negative for HIV;
- Have a valid prescription from your healthcare provider; and
- Not have health insurance coverage for outpatient prescription drugs.
If you receive PrEP medication through the Ready, Set, PrEP program, you will not have to pay for the medicine. The costs of necessary clinic visits and lab test costs may vary depending on your income.
How to Enroll
- Before enrolling in the Ready, Set, PrEP program, talk to a healthcare provider to see if PrEP medication is right for you and obtain a prescription. If you do not have a provider, you can find a clinic or provider that prescribes PrEP at locator.hiv.gov.
- Once you have the necessary prescription, visit GetYourPrEP.com or call toll-free 855-447-8410 to qualify and enroll. When completing the enrollment form, you must include the name of the healthcare provider who wrote your prescription.
- If you have any problems enrolling, call 855-447-8410 or ask for assistance in-person at a healthcare provider’s office, including a community health center, where trained staff can provide support.
Where to Fill Your Prescription
All patients enrolled in the Ready, Set, PrEP program fill their prescription at their choice of participating pharmacies or via mail order.
HIV Prevention in Action
Ready, Set, PrEP will make PrEP medications available nationwide, and is a key component of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) initiative. EHE aims to reduce the number of new HIV transmissions in the United States by 75% by 2025 and by 90% by 2030.
Over the next 10 years, up to 200,000 people per year can benefit from receiving PrEP medications through this program. Ensuring people and communities have access to PrEP medications will keep people healthy and brings us all closer to a future without HIV.
For More Information
Review the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 547 KB).
Eligibility requirements and an explanation of how the program works are available at GetYourPrEP.com and 855-447-8410. To learn more about PrEP’s role in ending the HIV epidemic, visit Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. For more information about HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and research, visit HIV.gov.