Local health experts warn costs and funding cuts could impact HIV prevention and access
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Promising signs in the fight against the HIV epidemic. But officials warn cuts to public health funding could reverse this progress.
Director of specialty services at DAP Health, Dr. Jason Halperin, says access comes down to cost.
“The biggest barrier I see for my patients are actually fighting to get the medications approved by their insurance. The cost is a real concern. This medication, the price is set by the pharmaceutical l company Gilead… What we’re doing at DAP Health is we have navigators who are focused on advocating for our patients through their insurance companies to get on the appropriate medication for them.”
Dr. Jason Halperin, DAP Health Director of Specialty Services
Lenacapavir, or Yeztugo, the latest HIV prevention shot that only needs to be taken twice a year, costing about $28,000 a year at list price.
Dr. Halperin say funding cuts could further prevent these resources from getting in the hands of those who need them.
“We’re in a tough spot. I can’t believe we’re in this position where we have the most amazing medical innovation for the treatment and preventions of HIV… That said, we are losing the political will to ensure accessibility of this medication, especially when you think about communities that need it the most and where there’s disparities to accessing this medication.”
Dr. Jason Halperin, DAP Health Director of Specialty Services
He says the first step toward saving costs, and saving lives, is HIV prevention strategies. It all starts with a simple test.
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