Cassidy Passes Measure Opening Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment Medications

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, passed a measure with bipartisan support on Thursday to ban insurance companies from using prior authorizations on HIV treatment and prevention medications.

“I’m proud to join AIDS Foundation Chicago and the countless advocates who want to see an end to the HIV epidemic not only in Illinois but across the country,” Cassidy said. “As I came of age in the 80s, the disease was decimating the LGBTQ community while our government looked the other way. At that time, an HIV diagnosis was a death sentence. Through strength in community, scientific breakthroughs and patient-centered legislation such as this, we’ve changed that narrative and the reality for so many. Passing this legislation is another step towards getting Illinois to zero new HIV transmissions, and I will be ready every step of the way to help make that goal a reality.”

Cassidy’s House Bill 2584 would ban the use of prior authorization for HIV treatment and prevention medications. Pre-authorization is a process by which a doctor prescribing a treatment, medication or procedure must first check and receive approval from the patient’s insurance plan before approving a course of action. Under this legislation, the power to make decisions about using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) would be returned to a patient and their doctor. Cassidy’s legislation also requires coverage of sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, kidney function analysis, routine laboratory testing, and routine provider visits, highlighting the comprehensive approach needed to fulfill the goal of reaching zero new HIV transmissions.

“The bipartisan committee vote to advance HB2584 is a critical step toward eliminating barriers to life-saving HIV prevention and treatment in Illinois,” said Aces Lira, Senior Manager of State Policy and Advocacy at AIDS Foundation Chicago. “Prior Authorization delays put people at risk, especially in communities that are disproportionately impacted by HIV. By removing these restrictions, Illinois is reaffirming its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and ensuring that everyone can access the care they need without unnecessary obstacles.”

House Bill 2584 passed out of the House Insurance committee on Thursday, Mar. 13 on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. The bill is supported and championed by AIDS Foundation Chicago, Illinois Harm Reduction & Recovery Coalition, among others.

For more information on Kelly’s legislative priorities visit ILGA.gov. For more information on AIDS Foundation Chicago’s Getting to Zero Illinois plan, visit gtzillinois.hiv.