Michigan will not pay for non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (n-PEP) for low-income state residents who do not have health insurance, The Michigan Messenger reports. The one-month prescription costs about $1,000. A Michigan Department of Community Health statement said that some people can obtain assistance through “hospital compassionate care programs and through pharmacy assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers.” PEP, a monthlong regimen of antiretroviral (ARV) meds, must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV in order to reduce risk of infection. HIV prevention advocates argued that Michigan’s new statewide policy would make it difficult to access PEP within the limited timeframe.

To read the Michigan Messenger article, click here.