Bills to halt bias against people who take meds to stop HIV

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A proposal in the Maine Legislature would halt a form of discrimination against people who take medication to prevent HIV infection.

Democratic Sen. Heather Sanborn of Portland said the state’s insurance code should be amended to prevent denial of life insurance for people who take pre-exposure prophylaxis medication to prevent HIV. The prophylaxis is commonly called “PrEP.”

The proposal received a public hearing before the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee on Jan. 8. It will be subject to committee votes before it can move on to the full Maine Legislature.

Sanborn said the state’s insurance code should “reflect modern medical practices, instead of perpetuating discriminatory behavior.”