Liias bill increasing access to HIV medication signed into law 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Mar. 30, 2023 

Press Inquiries | 360.786.7298, erin.hut@leg.wa.gov 

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee signed Sen. Marko Liias’ (D-Everett) bill increasing access to HIV medication into law on Thursday.  

The Washington Department of Health’s Early Intervention Program (EIP) is funded by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Grant Program.  

The EIP provides crucial support to Washingtonians living with HIV, including payment for some prescriptions, assistance for clients to get an identification number and pharmacy card, as well as help securing insurance and Medicaid eligibility.  

The state’s purchases of these HIV medications generate rebates from pharmaceutical companies. 

Senate Bill 5142 creates a new account in the state treasury, funded by the rebate revenue and usable solely to pay for EIP services. 

“I am grateful that this bill has been signed into law. This legislation ensures that those who need HIV treatment and medicine will continue to have access to the care they need,” Sen. Liias said.   

SB 5142 goes into effect on July 1, 2023.