by Jason Coon
A great example of appointed government organizations (ie. USPSTF, HRSA, CDC) changing requirements on preventive services is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP. Beginning January 1, 2021, insurance companies were mandated to cover Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP at no cost for patients as part of a preventive care requirement.
CBA found out about this in 2020 through one of our member groups who received a letter of intent of benefit change from their carrier, asking the group to accept the notice of change.
PrEP, as you may be aware, is a medicinal and HIV pandemic control strategy of public health officials and is currently mass marketed to the high-risk audience of same sex individuals with multiple sex partners.
While there are good results from taking PrEP medications on a compliant basis to prevent the spread of HIV, there are illicit aspects to be mindful of:
- This medication is intended for those who are currently engaging in promiscuous, risky sexual behaviors with multiple partners
- Sense of protection from HIV gives a false sense of security from contracting other STDs
Catholic employers must be aware that there are no current protections from having to cover these medications within your pharmacy offering.
As these government appointed organizations continue to expand their lists of mandated preventive services, it is critical that you continue to monitor this area of benefits more frequently. CBA will continue to inform our membership as these changes are identified into the future.
For a greater Catholic perspective on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, see another article from our friends at National Catholic Bioethics Center – CLICK HERE.