Free PrEP in Maine
Maine is experiencing its worst-ever HIV outbreak — 28+ cases in Penobscot County (Bangor) since October 2023, nearly all among people who inject drugs. Pharmacists can prescribe PrEP under a 2021 landmark law, and MaineCare covers PrEP at $0. But the closure of Bangor's largest HIV service provider (HEAL) in March 2025 has left a critical gap.
Fastest Path to Free PrEP in Maine
Visit a pharmacist
Maine law (PL 2021, c. 265) authorizes pharmacists to prescribe PrEP — 30-60 day supply. HIV test within 7 days required. No doctor visit needed.
If you're on MaineCare (Medicaid)
PrEP covered at $0. Enroll at CoverME.gov or call 1-855-797-4357.
If you're uninsured
Start with MISTR for free PrEP. Also apply to Gilead Advancing Access (1-800-226-2056).
In Portland
Contact Frannie Peabody Center for PrEP navigation, free testing, and 1,500+ self-test kits. Visit peabodycenter.org.
Maine PrEP Programs & Assistance
MaineCare (Medicaid)
Expanded Medicaid effective July 2019. Covers PrEP at $0. Maine CDC recommends quarterly HIV testing for at-risk populations.
Pharmacist PrEP Prescribing
PL 2021, c. 265 authorizes pharmacists to prescribe PrEP and PEP. 30-60 day supply. HIV test within 7 days required. Uptake limited to date.
Gilead Advancing Access
Free Truvada/Descovy for uninsured at ≤500% FPL.
Clinics & Community Resources
Frannie Peabody Center
Medical case management, PrEP/PEP navigation, free HIV/HCV testing, HOPWA housing. 1,500+ self-test kits distributed annually.
📍 Portland
PPNNE
PrEP and PEP services at remaining Maine locations.
📍 Portland, Biddeford, Sanford, Topsham
Penobscot Community Health Care
Providing some case management post-HEAL closure during the Penobscot outbreak.
📍 Bangor area
Maine Family Planning
Mobile health units providing HIV testing and PrEP during the outbreak.
📍 Mobile units — Bangor, Lewiston
Telehealth PrEP Options
Online PrEP provider options
Compare telehealth services, local clinics, public programs, and assistance routes for your state or situation.
Compare providers →HIV & PrEP Data in Maine
Maine historically has 30-50 new diagnoses annually, but the Penobscot County outbreak has dramatically increased numbers — 28+ cases since October 2023, nearly all among people who inject drugs and people experiencing homelessness. The closure of HEAL (Bangor's largest HIV provider since 1987) in March 2025 and the Northern Maine HIV Program termination in June 2025 left ~150 clients at risk. Bangor allocated $550,000 in opioid settlement funds for emergency HIV response.
Know Your Rights
Pharmacist Prescribing
Maine law (PL 2021, c. 265) authorizes pharmacists to prescribe PrEP and PEP. 30-60 day supply per dispensing, max 60-day once per 2 years without a practitioner prescription.
Insurance Coverage
Under the ACA, all private insurance plans must cover PrEP at $0. MaineCare covers PrEP at $0.
No HIV Criminal Laws
Maine does not have HIV-specific criminal statutes. Comprehensive LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections.
Outbreak Response
The Penobscot County outbreak is entirely IDU-driven. Federal funding threats ($1.7B CDC cuts proposed) would devastate Maine's already-thin infrastructure during this active crisis.