PrEP in the Bronx: Who Should Take It, Where to Get It, and What It Costs with Medicaid

The Bronx has one of the highest HIV diagnosis rates in New York City. That is not opinion or scare tactic — it is a public health reality that has persisted for decades, driven by structural inequities in healthcare access, housing instability, and stigma. But here is the other side of that reality: we have a medication that prevents HIV infection with near-perfect effectiveness, it is available at zero cost to Medicaid patients, and most people who could benefit from it are not taking it.

That medication is PrEP, and if you are sexually active and not in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative, it is worth a conversation.

This guide explains who may consider PrEP, what a first visit can include, and how coverage often works for patients in Longwood, Hunts Point, Morrisania, and nearby Bronx neighborhoods.

What PrEP Actually Is

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection before potential exposure. When taken consistently, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by approximately 99%.

There are currently three FDA-approved options:

• Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) — a daily oral pill, effective for all exposure routes
• Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) — a daily oral pill, approved for sexual exposure in people assigned male at birth (studies in vaginal exposure are still limited)
• Apretude (cabotegravir) — a long-acting injectable given every two months, eliminating the need for a daily pill entirely

The injectable option has been a significant development for patients who struggle with daily pill adherence or who simply prefer not to take a pill every day. A clinician can discuss which option fits your health history, exposure risk, coverage, and follow-up schedule.

Who Should Consider PrEP

PrEP may be worth discussing if you have a possible HIV exposure risk. Consider talking to a provider if:

• You have a sexual partner who is living with HIV or whose status you do not know
• You do not consistently use condoms during sex
• You have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past six months
• You have multiple sexual partners
• You share injection equipment for drug use
• You are a sex worker or have transactional sex
• You want an additional layer of protection beyond condoms

There is no judgment here. PrEP is a medical tool, like a seatbelt or a vaccine. The question is not whether you “deserve” it — the question is whether it would reduce your risk.

What Your First Appointment Looks Like

Walking into a clinic for PrEP can feel intimidating, especially if you have never discussed your sexual health openly with a provider. Here is exactly what happens at Moses Medical, step by step:

1. Confidential intake. You check in at the front desk like any other appointment. Your reason for the visit is private — it will not be announced or displayed. If you prefer, you can book online and simply note “PrEP consultation.”

2. Brief history and risk assessment. Your provider will ask about your sexual history, partners, condom use, and any prior STI diagnoses. This is a clinical conversation, not a moral evaluation. We ask these questions because we need accurate information to keep you safe.

3. Baseline lab work. Before starting PrEP, we need to confirm that you are HIV-negative, check your kidney function, and screen for hepatitis B and other STIs. All of this bloodwork is done in our on-site lab during the same visit — you do not need a separate lab appointment.

4. Medication selection. Based on your lab results, health history, and preferences, the clinician will discuss which PrEP option may fit best and what follow-up schedule is required.

5. Prescription and follow-up scheduling. You leave with either a prescription in hand or, for the injectable, your first dose administered on-site. Follow-up visits are scheduled every three months.

The entire first visit typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Every visit after that is shorter.

What Medicaid Covers

In New York, PrEP is often covered by Medicaid and many managed care plans, but details can vary by plan and follow-up requirements. Bring your insurance card so the office can review coverage, copays, and referral rules when possible. For a broader overview of Medicaid managed care questions, see our Medicaid coverage guide.

If you do not have Medicaid or are uninsured, federal and manufacturer assistance programs may help with medication costs. The office can help you understand which questions to ask before starting.

The cost barrier does not exist. If someone tells you PrEP is too expensive, they either do not know the current landscape or they are not trying hard enough.

Multilingual, Culturally Competent Care

The Bronx is home to one of the largest Haitian and Francophone African communities in the United States. Many of these residents face a double barrier to PrEP access: the general stigma around HIV prevention, compounded by cultural taboos around discussing sexual health.

At Moses Medical, our team speaks English, Spanish, Bangla, and Hindi. You can ask questions in the language that feels clearest to you.

Behavioral health support may also be helpful if starting PrEP brings up concerns about relationships, identity, stigma, or safety. Starting a medication that protects you from HIV can feel personal. You do not have to handle those questions alone.

Common Questions

“Does PrEP protect against other STIs?” No. PrEP prevents HIV only. We still recommend condoms for protection against gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other infections. Your quarterly visits include STI screening so we catch anything early.

“Will PrEP show up on my insurance explanation of benefits?” Medicaid EOBs do list services, but they use clinical codes, not plain-language descriptions. If privacy is a concern, talk to us — we can help you understand what will and will not appear on any documents.

“Can I stop and start PrEP?” Yes. PrEP is not a lifetime commitment. If your risk changes — for example, you enter a monogamous relationship — you can discontinue with your provider’s guidance. If your circumstances change again, you can restart.

“Are there side effects?” Most patients tolerate PrEP well. Some experience mild nausea, headache, or fatigue in the first few weeks, which typically resolves. Kidney function is monitored at every quarterly visit as a precaution.

Take the Step

HIV is preventable. Not theoretically, not in a clinical trial — preventable right now, for you, at no cost. The only thing standing between most eligible people and PrEP is a single conversation with a provider who will not judge them. If this is your first time visiting Moses Medical, here is a step-by-step guide to your first visit so you know exactly what to expect.

Moses Medical is at 871B Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10459, near the Simpson Street stop on the 2 and 5 trains. You can book a PrEP visit or call us at (646) 741-2111 to ask what to bring.