SACRAMENTO – The Senate Appropriations Committee today advanced Senate Bill 1023 by Senator John Laird, legislation to improve access to injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective medication used to prevent HIV infection.

SB 1023 will require health plans that already cover injectable PrEP to also reimburse it through their outpatient prescription drug benefit, helping reduce financial and administrative barriers faced by community clinics and providers.

“Injectable PrEP is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent HIV infection, but reimbursement barriers continue to limit access for many patients and providers,” said Laird. “SB 1023 is a practical step to help community clinics expand access to this lifesaving medication and strengthen California’s ongoing HIV prevention efforts.”

SB 1023 is a California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus priority bill and now advances to the Senate floor for consideration.