Georgia Expands Access to HIV Prevention Drugs, Bill Awaits Governor's Signature

Georgia's legislature passed a bill expanding access to HIV prevention drugs, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which now heads to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for signature. The legislation includes a provision for a statewide education campaign and removes prior authorization requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries seeking these medications. This move aligns with federal efforts to reduce HIV transmission rates in the South, a region with persistently high incidence. Public health advocates note the policy could reduce long-term Medicaid costs associated with treating advanced HIV cases.