NMAC urges new USPSTF members to protect HIV prevention access

NMAC responded to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ appointment of eight new members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, warning the panel’s work could affect access to preventive care for millions, including HIV prevention. The group said the task force should keep PrEP and other recommendations rooted in science and focused on communities hit hardest by HIV.

Why it matters: - The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force helps shape access to preventive health services for millions of Americans. - Its recommendation for pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, currently carries the highest rating for adolescents and adults at increased risk of acquiring HIV. - That recommendation helps many people with private health insurance get PrEP without cost-sharing. - Changes in the task force’s approach could affect HIV prevention, screening, and other essential preventive services.

What happened: - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced eight new appointments to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. - NMAC said it will closely follow any developments tied to HIV prevention and other preventive services as the newly constituted panel begins its work. - NMAC CEO Harold J. Phillips said the task force should keep recommendations grounded in rigorous scientific evidence and the health needs of communities across the country.

The details: - Phillips said prevention access and outcomes should be considered, especially for communities of color that continue to experience a disproportionate burden of HIV. - NMAC said scientific tools already exist to prevent new HIV infections. - NMAC said access to those tools is essential to the goal of ending the HIV epidemic. - NMAC said it remains committed to evidence-based HIV prevention and treatment and to helping every community achieve better health.

Between the lines: - The appointment change comes at a moment when federal prevention guidance can have direct downstream effects on insurance coverage and consumer access. - NMAC is signaling that HIV advocates will watch closely for any shift that could weaken or strengthen the pathway to PrEP and related services. - The organization is also tying prevention policy to equity, not just clinical evidence.

What's next: - The new task force members are expected to begin work on future preventive care recommendations. - NMAC said it will monitor the panel’s decisions on HIV prevention, screening, and other services. - Advocacy pressure is likely to focus on preserving broad access to PrEP and other evidence-based interventions. - More information