Insurance and provider-related obstacles keep at-risk populations from continuing PrEP

most effective methods for HIV prevention among at-risk populations such as gay and bisexual men. When taken daily as directed, PrEP provides a 92-99 percent reduction in HIV risk. Research shows, however, that many gay and bisexual men begin a PrEP regimen and discontinue the medication shortly thereafter.

To investigate this phenomenon, a research team including CUNY SPH doctoral student Alexa D’Angelo and Professor Christian Grov conducted a study into the challenges that arise for PrEP users. The findings were published in Translational Behavioral Medicine.

The researchers conducted qualitative interviews with 103 PrEP-using gay and bisexual men and uncovered many insurance and medical provider-related barriers that gay and bisexual men face when attempting to remain on PrEP. These include prior-authorization and pharmacy mandates from insurance companies, as well as challenges related to attending quarterly PrEP-related medical appointments.

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