Texans Need Faster Access to HIV Prevention
Every day that access to PrEP is delayed, more Texans remain at risk of contracting HIV. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV and has been a key tool in reducing new infections since 2012. But many Texans still face unnecessary barriers, like prior authorizations, that force doctors and patients to wait for insurance approval before accessing medication that insurers already cover.
House Bill 1680 and Senate Bill 1274
Texas recorded nearly 5,000 new HIV cases in 2022—a number that could climb by 8,000 more over the next two years if we don’t act. Delays in PrEP access mean preventable HIV infections. That’s why Rep. Venton Jones and Sen. José Menéndez have filed House Bill 1680 and Senate Bill 1274 to eliminate prior authorizations for PrEP. These bills are now in committee, and legislators have a chance to remove this unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle and ensure faster, more efficient access to HIV prevention in Texas.
Why This Matters
- Prior authorizations delay access to PrEP. Some patients wait weeks, increasing their risk of HIV exposure.
- Texas is still seeing too many new HIV cases. We need urgent, efficient prevention strategies.
- PrEP is covered by insurance. But the approval process creates a barrier that undermines public health.
We need legislative action now. These bills would remove delays and ensure that more Texans can protect themselves from HIV. Texas Health Action strongly supports HB 1680 & SB 1274—because patients deserve barrier-free access to PrEP.
