The federal Ready, Set, PrEP program ended July 2025. Many websites still list it as active. See what replaced it →

Gilead Advancing Access: How to Apply for Free PrEP (2026)

Gilead Advancing Access is the manufacturer’s program that provides free Descovy or Truvada for uninsured patients and covers copays up to $7,200/year for insured patients. Here’s exactly how to apply, what you need, and how long it takes.

Two Programs, One Application

Gilead Advancing Access actually has two separate programs under one umbrella. Which one you qualify for depends on your insurance status:

Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For uninsured patients. Provides Descovy or Truvada completely free for up to 12 months (renewable). Income must be at or below 500% of the federal poverty level — about $75,300 for a single person in 2026. Covers medication only, not labs or visits. No SSN required. Undocumented residents eligible.

Copay Savings Program

For commercially insured patients. Covers up to $7,200/year in out-of-pocket copay costs for Descovy or Truvada. No income restriction. No monthly limit. Cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance. Card doesn’t expire once enrolled.

How to Apply: Uninsured (PAP)

1

Go to advancingaccessconsent.iassist.com or call 1-800-226-2056 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–8 PM ET)

2

Select “Uninsured Support” then “Patient Assistance Program (PAP) Eligibility Screening”

3

Select your medication (Descovy or Truvada) and indicate you’re using it for PrEP

4

Enter your personal information and provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or self-attestation)

5

Your prescribing provider may also need to submit the application or fax documentation to 1-800-216-6857

6

A Gilead reimbursement counselor will review your application and notify you of your prequalification status

Timeline: Most applications are processed within 1–2 weeks. Once approved, enrollment is valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed if you still meet eligibility requirements.

PAP covers medication only

The Gilead PAP provides free Descovy or Truvada but does not cover lab work or doctor visits. You’ll need a separate solution for those costs — a community health center (FQHC), state PrEP program, or a telehealth platform that bundles everything. See our PrEP without insurance guide for options.

Or skip the application entirely

MISTR handles Gilead enrollment, insurance navigation, labs, and medication delivery automatically. Everything is $0 — no paperwork on your end.

ANDR735

Using this code at signup helps keep FreePrEP.org running and supports our mission to help everyone access PrEP for free.

How to Apply: Insured (Copay Card)

1

Visit GileadAdvancingAccess.com or call 1-800-226-2056

2

Register online to download, activate, and print your copay savings card (takes a few minutes)

3

Present the card at your pharmacy alongside your insurance card when filling your prescription

The card covers up to $7,200 per calendar year with no monthly limit. For most commercially insured patients, this brings the out-of-pocket cost to $0. If you’ve already paid copays this year, call 1-800-226-2056 to ask about reimbursement for past out-of-pocket costs.

Government insurance excluded

The copay savings card cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA benefits, or any other government-funded insurance. Patients with government insurance should ask their provider about the PAP or use a telehealth platform that handles cost navigation.

Eligibility Quick Reference

PAP Requirements

• US resident (including territories)
• Uninsured, insurance denied, or Medicare without Part D
• Income ≤ 500% FPL (~$75,300 single)
• Valid prescription for Descovy or Truvada
• No SSN required
• Undocumented residents eligible
• Does not trigger public charge

Copay Card Requirements

• Commercial/private insurance
• No income restriction
• Valid prescription for Descovy or Truvada
• Cannot use with Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA, or other government insurance

Let MISTR handle the paperwork

MISTR automatically enrolls eligible patients in Gilead programs and other assistance. You don’t fill out applications — they do it for you.

ANDR735

Using this code at signup helps keep FreePrEP.org running and supports our mission to help everyone access PrEP for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does approval take?
Most PAP applications are processed within 1–2 weeks. The copay card is instant — you can download and use it the same day you register online.
Can I use Gilead Advancing Access for injectable PrEP?
Gilead Advancing Access covers Descovy and Truvada (oral PrEP) and Yeztugo (lenacapavir, injectable). It does not cover Apretude (cabotegravir), which is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare. ViiV has its own patient assistance program — see our Apretude cost guide.
What if my income is above 500% FPL?
If you earn above the income limit, you’re not eligible for the PAP. However, if you have insurance, the copay card has no income restriction and can reduce your cost to $0. If you’re uninsured and above the income limit, consider enrolling in an ACA marketplace plan (PrEP must be covered at $0) or using a telehealth platform.
Do I need to re-enroll every year?
PAP enrollment is valid for up to 12 months. Gilead will notify you and your prescriber 60 days before your enrollment ends so you can re-enroll if you’re still eligible. The copay card does not expire once activated.

Start free PrEP in 5 minutes

MISTR handles everything — Gilead enrollment, insurance, labs, medication, delivery. All $0. All 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico.

ANDR735

Using this code at signup helps keep FreePrEP.org running and supports our mission to help everyone access PrEP for free.

Related Guides

Information sourced from Gilead Sciences (gileadadvancingaccess.com), NASTAD, and PleasePrEPMe. FreePrEP.org is an independent resource — not affiliated with any government agency or pharmaceutical company. Full disclosure