Rule changes make HIV prevention drugs more accessible
Federal and California rules require most private insurance to cover the full cost of drugs, such as Truvada, that offer protection against HIV infection.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
By Michelle Andrews
Ted Howard started taking Truvada a few years ago because he wanted to protect himself against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. But the daily pill was so pricey he was seriously thinking about giving it up.
Under his insurance plan, the former flight attendant and customer service instructor was charged $500 a month in copayments for the drug plus $250 every three months for lab work and clinic visits.