Newsom Makes HIV Meds Available Without Prescription

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Tuesday a bill granting access to HIV prevention drugs without a prescription.

"HIV continues to take a huge toll on public health in California, and SB 339 unlocks a powerful tool to prevent new infections," California Democrat state Sen. Scott Wiener, the bill's sponsor, said in a statement. "PrEP is nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission, but far too many Californians lack access to it. Allowing people to obtain this powerful anti-HIV tool at their neighborhood pharmacy will greatly expand access and is a big step toward a future free from new HIV cases."

PrEP refers to pre-exposure prophylaxis. Under the bill, health care service plans, health insurers, and Medi-Cal are responsible for covering the costs of the HIV prevention medication.

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