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.
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 →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.