How Much Does Injectable PrEP Cost in 2026?
Apretude and Yeztugo have terrifying list prices. Here's what people actually pay — and how to get either one at $0.
Injectable PrEP at a glance
Two injectable PrEP medications are FDA-approved: Apretude (cabotegravir, every 2 months) and Yeztugo (lenacapavir, every 6 months). Both showed extraordinary efficacy in clinical trials — Yeztugo's PURPOSE 1 trial recorded zero HIV infections among participants.
The list prices are eye-watering. But thanks to insurance mandates, manufacturer programs, and telehealth, most people pay nothing.
Apretude (cabotegravir)
~$3,700 per injection (every 2 months)
with insurance or ViiVConnect
Yeztugo (lenacapavir)
~$14,100 per injection (every 6 months)
with insurance or Gilead MAP
What you'll actually pay — by insurance status
| Your situation | Apretude | Yeztugo |
|---|---|---|
| Private insurance (ACA) | $0 — ACA mandate (USPSTF Grade A, 2023) | Varies — not yet in USPSTF recommendation; ~85% of insurers covering as of early 2026 |
| Medicaid | $0–$3 | $0–$3 (covered in most state Medicaid programs) |
| Uninsured (under 500% FPL) | $0 via ViiVConnect PAP | $0 via Gilead Advancing Access MAP |
| Medicare | Copay — apply to copay assistance funds | Copay — apply to Gilead copay card + assistance funds |
| With copay card (insured) | $0 — ViiVConnect covers remaining copay | $0 — Gilead copay card covers up to $7,200/yr |
Yeztugo insurance note (May 2026)
Yeztugo (approved June 2025) is not yet included in the USPSTF recommendation, so insurers aren't technically required to cover it at $0 under the ACA — unlike Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude, which received the Grade A rating in August 2023. However, Gilead reports that 85%+ of commercial insurers now cover Yeztugo, and CVS Caremark added it to formularies as of January 2026. If your insurer denies coverage, your plan must have an exceptions process — ask your doctor to submit a medical necessity request.
Side-by-side: Apretude vs. Yeztugo
| Apretude | Yeztugo | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug | Cabotegravir | Lenacapavir |
| Manufacturer | ViiV Healthcare (GSK) | Gilead Sciences |
| FDA approved | December 2021 | June 2025 |
| Dosing | Every 2 months (intramuscular, gluteal) | Every 6 months (subcutaneous) + 2-day oral loading |
| Annual list price | ~$22,000 | ~$28,000–$30,000 |
| Efficacy | 69% more effective than daily oral PrEP | 100% efficacy in PURPOSE 1 (cisgender women); 96% in PURPOSE 2 |
| For whom | All adults and adolescents at risk | All adults and adolescents at risk |
| ACA $0 mandate | Yes (USPSTF Grade A, 2023) | Not yet — USPSTF hasn't updated |
| Free if uninsured | ViiVConnect PAP | Gilead Advancing Access MAP |
Which should you choose?
If cost is your deciding factor, Apretude has more reliable $0 coverage right now thanks to the ACA mandate. If convenience matters most and your insurance covers it, Yeztugo's twice-yearly dosing is unmatched. Discuss both with your provider — and verify your insurance coverage before your first injection.
How to get injectable PrEP for $0
If you have insurance: Call your plan and confirm coverage for injectable PrEP. For Apretude, cite the USPSTF Grade A recommendation — your plan must cover it at $0. For Yeztugo, ask about formulary status. If you face a copay, apply for the ViiVConnect copay card (Apretude) or Gilead copay savings card (Yeztugo, covers up to $7,200/year).
If you're uninsured: Apply directly to the manufacturer PAPs. ViiVConnect covers Apretude for uninsured patients — call 1-844-588-3603 or visit viivconnect.com. Gilead Advancing Access covers Yeztugo for patients under 500% FPL — call 1-800-226-2056 or visit gileadadvancingaccess.com. No SSN required for either program.
Through telehealth: MISTR is currently enrolling patients for both injectable PrEP options and handles all the insurance navigation and PAP enrollment for you.