TL;DR
Houston residents have multiple $0 PrEP pathways despite Texas not having a state PrEP-DAP. The fastest options: MISTR telehealth (fee-waived in Texas through AIDS Foundation Houston), Legacy Community Health (Houston's largest PrEP prescriber), and federally funded FQHCs. Insurance, Medicaid (if you qualify), Gilead Advancing Access for uninsured brand-name PrEP, and a robust network of community health partners all lead to $0 in Houston.
The Houston HIV picture
Houston carries a disproportionate share of Texas's HIV burden — higher per-capita diagnosis rates than the state average, with growing diagnoses among Hispanic MSM (now 30%+ of new cases). Texas doesn't have a state PrEP Drug Assistance Program, so free PrEP in Houston relies on federal pathways (ACA for insured, FQHCs for uninsured), manufacturer programs, and a well-funded local ecosystem of LGBTQ+ and HIV-specific nonprofits.
Your fastest paths to $0 PrEP in Houston
- Telehealth through MISTR — Free in Texas ($99/quarter fee waived through AIDS Foundation Houston). $0 medication, labs, and consults. First prescription typically ships in 24–48 hours.
- Legacy Community Health — Houston's largest PrEP prescriber. Same-day PrEP, injectable options, and sliding fee scale for uninsured. 50+ clinic locations in Greater Houston.
- AIDS Foundation Houston — PrEP navigation and partnerships with telehealth. Call 713-623-6796 for free navigation support.
- Gilead Advancing Access (if uninsured, under 500% FPL) — Free Descovy or Yeztugo shipped directly. No SSN required. Call 1-800-226-2056.
- Your insurance — Under the ACA, PrEP, labs, and visits must be covered at $0 with no copay. If charged, see our PrEP Without a Copay guide.
Start PrEP today from anywhere in Houston
Texas residents get MISTR at no cost — the quarterly fee is waived through MISTR's partnership with AIDS Foundation Houston. $0 medication, labs, and consultations. Serves anyone in Houston, The Heights, Montrose, Galleria, Memorial, Pearland, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, and everywhere else in Greater Houston.
ANDR735
Using this code helps keep FreePrEP.org running and connects more people to free PrEP.
Start with MISTR →Texas state programs that pay for PrEP
Texas does NOT have a state PrEP Drug Assistance Program. The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) only covers HIV treatment for people already living with HIV. This is a major gap in Texas compared to states like California or New York, but you still have multiple pathways to $0 PrEP through federal programs and community partners.
Texas Medicaid covers PrEP at $0 if you qualify — but Texas didn't expand Medicaid, so eligibility is very restrictive. Childless adults generally don't qualify. Parents may qualify at approximately 12–13% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1.
Texas DSHS HIV/STD Section maintains a PrEP provider directory and lists DSHS-endorsed telehealth platforms. See dshs.texas.gov/hivstd/prep.
Looking for the full Texas guide?
We have a dedicated page with every clinic, program, and telehealth option across the state.
Key clinics in Houston
Houston's largest PrEP prescriber. Same-day PrEP starts, injectable PrEP (Apretude, Yeztugo), sliding-fee scale for uninsured, and 340B pricing. Serves patients regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
Free PrEP navigation, case management, and partnerships with MISTR (which waives fees for Texas residents through AFH). Long-standing anchor of Houston's HIV prevention ecosystem.
Free HIV testing, PrEP prescription, and AHF Pharmacy on-site. Walk-ins accepted.
PrEP available at multiple health centers across the Houston area. Sliding-fee scale. Call for nearest location.
Houston's LGBTQ+ community center. Offers PrEP navigation, HIV/STI testing, and behavioral health services. Core resource for LGBTQ+ Houstonians.
Telehealth options for Houston residents
Houston residents have a particularly strong telehealth landscape thanks to Texas DSHS-endorsed platforms and the MISTR/AIDS Foundation Houston partnership that waives fees for Texans.
MISTR covers medication, quarterly lab work, consultations, and delivery at $0 in all 50 states. Works for insured and uninsured patients alike. Oral and injectable PrEP available. First prescription typically in 24–48 hours.
Texas-focused telehealth with sliding-scale pricing. Includes gender-affirming care alongside PrEP. Based in Austin but serves statewide.
All operate in Texas and prescribe PrEP. Pricing and included services vary — compare on our provider comparison page.
Not sure which path is right for you?
Use our eligibility tool — four questions, 60 seconds, no sign-up. We'll match you with every free PrEP program you qualify for in Texas.
Start the Eligibility Tool →Special situations in Houston
If you're undocumented
Texas's THMP requires citizenship or legal residency, and SB 4 has created fear about engaging government services. Your best options: FQHCs like Legacy Community Health (serves everyone regardless of status), Gilead Advancing Access (no SSN required, undocumented explicitly eligible), and MISTR (no documentation required). See our PrEP for Undocumented Immigrants guide.
If you're transgender
Texas SB 14 (2023) bans gender-affirming care for minors, which has created a chilling effect on trans healthcare broadly. Kind Clinic (nearest locations in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio) provides integrated gender-affirming care with PrEP. Montrose Center (Houston) offers affirming PrEP navigation. See our PrEP for Transgender Women guide.
If you're a minor
Texas Family Code §32.003 allows minors to consent to STI testing and treatment. PrEP isn't explicitly covered in statute, but many Houston providers prescribe to minors case-by-case under this framework. Privacy concerns with parental insurance are the real issue — see our PrEP as a Minor guide.
If you need PEP instead
If you've had a potential HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, you need PEP, not PrEP. Every Houston ER can prescribe PEP — major options include Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, HCA Houston, and Legacy Community Health after-hours. State clearly: "I had a potential HIV exposure in the last 72 hours and need PEP." Don't wait for HIV test results — the first dose should go in immediately. After your 28-day PEP course, your provider should transition you to PrEP for ongoing protection — see our How to Get PEP guide.
Bottom line
Houston's PrEP landscape is strong despite Texas's structural gaps. Between Legacy Community Health as a walk-in anchor, AFH's network advantages, and MISTR being fee-free for Texans through the AFH partnership, most Houstonians can get PrEP at $0 within 24–48 hours. If you're uninsured, start with MISTR or Legacy. If you're insured, any provider works — the ACA guarantees $0.
Ready to start PrEP?
MISTR ships to anywhere in Houston and the rest of Texas. $0 medication, labs, and consults — insured or not.
ANDR735
Using this code helps keep FreePrEP.org running and connects more people to free PrEP.
Get Started with MISTR →