Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medications such as Truvada and Descovy help prevent HIV, which means it is taken BEFORE exposure to HIV. PrEP reaches maximum effectiveness for receptive anal sex after 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex and needle use, PrEP reaches maximum effectiveness after 21 days of daily use.

PrEP is right for you if:

• You have had sex in the past 6 months and your partner has HIV

• You do not consistently wear condoms during sex

• You have been recently diagnosed with an STI

• You use needles and share your equipment with another person

• You have taken PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) in the past

If you have insurance:

Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and speak with the specialty pharmacy division. Ask if Truvada, Descovy, or an applicable generic is covered. Ask if there are any limitations on your lab work coverage. If they tell you these medications or labs are not covered, you can ask your doctor to send a letter to your insurance company notifying them that you need PrEP. Some pharmaceutical companies offer discount opportunities.

If you are uninsured:

Ready, Set, PrEP is a Federal payment assistance program that can help cover your medication costs. Some pharmaceutical companies also have payment assistance programs. Regardless of your insurance status, the KC CARE team can help you find answers to your questions.

Available at 3501 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO through the CATS Clinic Mon-Fri 9am-4:45pm:

• Must have a (-) Negative HIV test from your Primary Care Provider or from CATS clinic

• A tester will help schedule an appointment with a provider same day

• If needed, you will be assisted with applying for medication assistance programs to cover the cost of your PrEP

• After a quick assessment with a provider, you will be able to pick-up your medication at a pharmacy of your choosing