Legislation protects preventive HIV health care for Michiganders
State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) addresses the House body on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., June 3, 2024 — Late last year, state Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) introduced House Bill 5340. This bill would codify the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care requirement into Michigan law for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) without cost sharing. PrEP is a vital preventive medication that plays a critical role in reducing the spread of HIV. Taking PrEP as prescribed by a health care provider can reduce the chances of contracting HIV by up to 99%.
“I recognize the importance of addressing stigmas regarding health and expanded preventive care options. I am committed to advocating for measures that alleviate the burdens associated with accessing PrEP,” McFall said. “The Affordable Care Act has been under attack since its adoption. It’s important that we codify the right to preventive care, including PrEP, here in Michigan. My bill is a testament to this commitment, aiming to streamline costs and ensure equitable access to these preventive health care measures.”
McFall’s bill addresses the ongoing legal challenges to preventive care in the ACA, including PrEP coverage. There is fear that a court decision across the country could strip Michiganders’ right to preventive healthcare through PrEP. The passage of McFall’s bill will protect the right to preventive care PrEP into Michigan law.
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