Alberta government to cover HIV prevention drug for high-risk citizens

The government of Alberta will begin covering the cost of medication that can reduce the risk of contracting HIV, it announced in a press release Monday.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis helps reduce the risk of HIV infection, but costs roughly $250 per month.

The government announced it will be making generic versions of the drug available at no cost to people at high risk of exposure.

“We are providing people with as many tools as possible to prevent the transmission of HIV and protect those most at risk,” Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said in the release.

“Covering the cost of this medication for the people who need it is an important tool in the province’s work to address HIV rates. By working with health providers and community partners on prevention, education and understanding, we’re working to get to zero new HIV cases together.”

Alberta has the fourth highest HIV rate across Canadian provinces with a rate of 6.5 cases per 100,000 people, the release states.

The medication will be covered for eligible Albertans when prescribed by designated prescribers — which there is currently 60 of in the province. More designated prescribers are being added weekly.

More information on the drug can be found at — www.albertahealthservices.ca /info/Page16048.aspx