OLYMPIA — A bipartisan bill ensuring the state’s Medicaid program continues to cover HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization passed the Senate unanimously Friday.

Senate Bill 5577, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), requires the Health Care Authority continue to cover all HIV antiviral drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration without prior authorization for clients enrolled in Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program. The Legislature appropriated funds for this coverage in the operating budget for the 2023-2025 biennium, and the bill codifies the requirement in state law.

“What we’ve learned over the last two years is this policy works,” Liias said. “Making sure patients have access to these antiviral drugs without any unnecessary barriers is an essential part of our strategy to eradicate HIV and AIDS in Washington.”

Consistent use of HIV antiviral drugs reduces the amount of virus in the body, making it non-transmittable through sex. Research has found that HIV treatment also significantly reduces the risk of transmission through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

David Ramos, the public policy manager for the Cascade Aids Project, the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education, and advocacy in Oregon and southwest Washington, said Medicaid coverage of HIV antiviral drugs is more than just an access issue – it is also an equity one. 

“Historically marginalized communities are at a disproportionate risk for HIV transmission. They’re also disproportionately likely to be insured via Medicaid and furthermore unlikely to be able to afford these critical preventative measures without coverage,” Ramos said in testimony to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. “This bill presents an opportunity to ensure that Washingtonians can access critical preventative drugs.” 

The bill builds on Liias’ efforts to expand access to lifesaving care for Washingtonians. In prior legislative sessions, Liias sponsored SB 5142 and SB 6127 to increase access to HIV treatment and post-exposure drugs. 

“About 400 people are diagnosed with HIV in Washington every year, and they don’t have to be,” Liias said. “No new HIV diagnoses should occur when we have medication today to stop the transmission of that disease.”