Fastest Path to Free PrEP
PrEP is covered at $0 under ACA. Use the Gilead Co-Pay Coupon (1-877-505-6986) for any remaining costs. PAPI can cover copays too.
Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014. PrEP covered as preventive service. Enroll: benefits.ohio.gov.
Apply for PAPI through Equitas Health (1-855-400-7737). Covers office visits, labs, and prescription copays at ≤500% FPL. Undocumented eligible.
Ohio's largest LGBTQ+ health system. TelePrEP via MyChart with Zoom. At-home lab kits shipped to your door.
State Programs & Assistance
PAPI (Prevention Assistance Program Interventions)
Ohio's de facto PrEP assistance program. Covers office visit copays, lab work copays, prescription copays, and insurance premiums. Income ≤500% FPL. Undocumented individuals explicitly eligible. Enrollment through PAPI provider agencies.
Phone: 1-855-400-7737 (Equitas Health)
Website: ohiv.org/papi
Ohio Medicaid
Expanded in 2014. PrEP covered as preventive service. Generic TDF/FTC preferred; Descovy and Apretude may require prior authorization.
Phone: 1-833-491-0344 (Gainwell Pharmacy)
Ohio HIV/STI Hotline
Statewide navigation and referrals.
Phone: 1-800-332-2437
Clinics & Community Resources
Equitas Health (22 locations)
LGBTQ+ Health System
Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Athens + more
(833) 378-4827
Ohio's largest LGBTQ+ health system. Oral PrEP, Apretude, Yeztugo, PAPI enrollment. MOVe Health Center mobile outreach for rural areas.
Website →AHF Columbus
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
815 W. Broad St, Suite 350, Columbus
(614) 223-1532
Free HIV care and PrEP regardless of ability to pay. Wellness Center at 1230 N. High St.
AHF Cleveland
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
2829 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
(216) 357-3131
Free HIV testing and PrEP.
Caracole
ASO
Cincinnati, OH
(513) 761-1480
PAPI enrollment, PrEP navigation, housing and support services.
Website →PrEP2Me
Free TelePrEP
Serves Ohio, PA, WV
(412) 844-PREP
Completely free TelePrEP powered by Central Outreach. Virtual appointments + home lab kits.
Website →Telehealth PrEP Options
Equitas Health TelePrEP
Free (via PAPI)
MyChart + Zoom integration. At-home lab kits. Covers rural areas via mobile outreach.
Learn more →PrEP2Me
Free
Completely free TelePrEP for OH, PA, WV residents. Powered by Central Outreach, PA DOH-funded.
Learn more →Q Care Plus
Usually free
Gender-affirming telehealth. Free through assistance programs.
Learn more →HIV & PrEP Data
Three EHE priority jurisdictions: Franklin County (Columbus), Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), and Hamilton County (Cincinnati) — together accounting for ~55% of Ohio's PLWH. Black/African Americans represent ~13% of Ohio's population but 47% of new diagnoses.
Know Your Rights
PAPI for Undocumented Residents
Ohio's PAPI program explicitly covers undocumented individuals. No immigration status requirement for enrollment.
Insurance Coverage
Private insurance must cover PrEP at $0 under ACA. Ohio Medicaid covers PrEP as preventive service.
HIV Criminalization
Ohio's laws remain among the more severe nationally — felonious assault charges possible for non-disclosure (up to 8 years) with mandatory sex offender registration.
Gender-Affirming Care
HB 68 bans gender-affirming care for minors and prohibits Medicaid coverage at all ages. Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments on constitutionality March 2026. Trans-affirming PrEP providers: Equitas Health, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.