Lying About Prep

[curiousone]

I've seen a lot of posts on this forum, and websites about how everyone is on PrEP. I'm calling bullshit right now because it's impossible to get.

 

Look at all the threads, everyone says "Oh, I just talked to my doctor" Did you now? Because I talked to mine and she knew NOTHING about PrEP so she referred me to a disease specialist who turned me down claiming, "We can't put you on PrEP unless you HAVE HIV, talk to your insurance."

 

So then I talked to my insurance (Blue Anthem HMO), who also said, "Nothing we can do unless you have HIV."

 

I've called several numbers of centers, and organizations, no one has called me back. Where is this so called PrEP that everyone speaks of? Apparently some magical crane just drops it in everyone's lap except mine, that or everyone is lying about being on PrEP.

 

I live in the Los Angeles area, no surprise STDs run rampant if prevention is this much of a headache to go through.

Edited September 19, 2014 by curiousone

[seaguy]

It is not impossible to get I live in Seattle and go to a gay doctor he know of it and is prescribing it to patients.  I have yet to bring it up with him but plan to my next appointment.   But it sounds like your having an especially frustrating experience.  If your insurance is giving you the run around contact the state insurance commissioners office to see if they can help.  Also Gilead has an asisstance program if you cannot get it covered by your insurance you should call them.

 

The Truvada® for PrEP Medication Assistance Program assists eligible HIV-negative adults in the United States who do not have insurance obtain access to Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). To find out if you are eligible for this medication assistance program, call 1-855-330-5479, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Eastern). - See more at: http://www.gilead.com/responsibility/us-patient-access/truvada%20for%20prep%20medication%20assistance%20program#sthash.QumQarVD.dpuf

 

I would look into finding another doctor possibly one that is gay or has an office in West Hollywood so they are bound to be more aware than a doctor who is out in suburbia.

[Guest kazore]

Hi curiouseone

 

I also think that some people lie. They are either not on prep, or poz or don't take as much as loads as they proudly claim. I guarantee you that I am on prep and I just went to a doctor, not my regular PCP, but another one that was recommended to me. I wouldn't have been comfortable enough to ask to my PCP. He prescribed me Prep very easily. I was even surprised how easy it was, I expected more questions. I started last week.

[tboyer]

I live in SF, and I know ten guys on prep, and there are of course many more. what you should do is an internet search for prep, how to apply for it, print it out, and

show it to as many health providers that you can. Kaiser gives it out in SF

Edited September 19, 2014 by tboyer

[barebottombearut]

I live in Utah. I asked my PCP about Truvada. He wasn't aware of it, but researched it for us and prescribed it. Our insurance company (Cigna) is covering it.