Current Pricing
Generic TDF/FTC is manufactured by Teva and other generic drug makers. The cash price at most pharmacies ranges from $30 to $60 per month with a discount card (like GoodRx). Without a discount card, retail prices can be higher — always use a coupon or ask the pharmacist for the lowest available price.
What You Pay by Situation
| Situation | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Any ACA-compliant insurance | $0 | PrEP is a covered preventive service |
| Medicaid | $0 | Covered in all expansion states |
| Medicare Part B | $0 | Covered since September 2024 |
| MISTR (any insurance status) | $0 | Medication + labs + consults included |
| Cash with GoodRx coupon | $30–60 | No prescription insurance needed |
| 340B pharmacy (FQHC) | $0–20 | Sliding scale based on income |
| Full retail (no discounts) | $100–200 | Avoidable — always use a coupon |
Compare PrEP access options
Telehealth providers, local clinics, state programs, Medicaid, and manufacturer assistance can all be valid routes. Compare cost, lab method, medication options, location, privacy, and follow-up instead of defaulting to one provider.
Compare providers and programs →Generic Truvada vs. Brand-Name Options
Generic TDF/FTC is the exact same active ingredients as brand-name Truvada, manufactured to FDA bioequivalence standards. It's equally effective for PrEP.
| Medication | Cash Price/Month | Insured Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic TDF/FTC | $30–60 | $0 | Most affordable cash-pay option |
| Brand Truvada | $1,600–1,900 | $0 | No advantage over generic |
| Descovy (TAF/FTC) | $1,800–2,300 | $0 | Better kidney/bone profile |
If you have insurance, all three options should cost $0, so the choice comes down to clinical factors (discuss with your provider). If you're paying cash, generic TDF/FTC is the clear winner at roughly 1/40th the cost of Descovy.
Where to Get the Lowest Price
- MISTR: $0 total — medication, labs, everything. Compare PrEP options →
- FQHCs with 340B pricing: Community health centers that participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program can offer PrEP at deeply discounted or free rates. Find one near you.
- GoodRx or similar coupons: If you're filling at a retail pharmacy, always check GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar sites for the lowest cash price. Prices vary by pharmacy.
- Costco/Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs: Alternative pharmacies sometimes offer lower base prices on generics.
But You Still Need Labs and a Prescription
The medication is only part of the cost. PrEP also requires:
- An initial HIV test and kidney function test
- A prescription from a licensed provider
- Quarterly HIV testing and follow-up labs
Even if you find cheap generic Truvada, labs and provider visits can add $200–500+ per year without insurance. That's why a comprehensive option like MISTR (which includes everything at $0) or an FQHC (sliding-scale) is usually the most cost-effective total package.