What is this bill about?
AB 554 will safeguard patient and provider choice – ensuring flexibility in selecting the most suitable PrEP medication for patient adherence while also allowing local small clinics to receive timely reimbursement for these medications. Together, these changes will help reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS and address the disproportionate impact of HIV in marginalized communities.
How does it align with yli’s values?
yli partners with thousands of youth across the state, the majority of whom are low-income youth of color. Many of these young people already struggle to get the health care they need to thrive. We are staunch advocates of health care policy that ensure access to health care.
Under the current federal administration, attacks on patient protections for PrEP and other critical healthcare services are at enormous risk. With projected federal funding cuts due to recent executive orders and the existing reimbursement hardships placed on small local clinics by insurers, the state needs to step in to protect and expand access.
The risk of exposure or contracting HIV/AIDS is disproportionately higher for ethnically or racially marginalized Californians due to limited healthcare access, among other complex, intersecting factors.
This resolution expands PrEP access, ensuring patients can choose the best option for adherence. It also reduces the burden on small local clinics by allowing for timely reimbursements, enabling clinics to expand HIV prevention services and outreach efforts.
This policy aligns with our Health Justice Platform, which envisions culturally appropriate, whole-person healthcare for everyone.
What is yli doing about it?
We have just submitted a letter endorsing this bill, and we are showing our support on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Who else supports this bill?
- California Department of Insurance, Commissioner Ricardo Lara (Co-Sponsor)
- APLA Health (Co-Sponsor)
- Equality California (Co-Sponsor)
- SF AIDS Foundation (Co-Sponsor)
- Los Angeles LGBT Center (Co-Sponsor)
- California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus
- California Pharmacists Association
- End the Epidemics