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Council approves PrepDC amendment to bar PrEP cost-sharing and preserve coverage
Summary
The Council unanimously adopted an amendment and final passage of the PrepDC Amendment Act of 2026 to ensure insurers cover all FDA-approved PrEP formulations and prohibit cost-sharing for initial and follow-up HIV-prevention appointments.
The Council of the District of Columbia on Feb. 3 adopted the PrepDC Amendment Act of 2026 (Bill 206-159) with an amendment that its sponsors said protects access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications. Council Member Henderson said the amendment ensures the district maintains coverage consistent with October 2024 federal guidance and prevents insurers from imposing cost-sharing on visits that initiate or follow up on HIV prevention.
"This amendment will assure that the district maintains a strong PrEP coverage requirement consistent with the 2024 federal guidance," Council Member Henderson said, noting the change removes ambiguity about appointment cost-sharing and strikes redundant language on prior authorization. Council Member Pinto, who spoke in support, said insurer denials and administrative hurdles reduce PrEP usage and that DC should close coverage gaps locally while federal legislation remains pending. "PrEP gives individuals the ability to protect themselves independently," Pinto said.
The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the bill as amended passed unanimously. Supporters framed the change as both a public-health measure and an equity safeguard for communities at heightened risk of HIV. The Council record shows a fiscal impact statement reflecting no fiscal cost for the amendment.
The measure now moves into final enactment steps as the Council completes its legislative process for the amended bill.
