Get started with PrEPStart
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a once-a-day pill that prevents HIV infection by stopping the virus from spreading in your body. PrEP is an effective option for preventing HIV and maintaining your health. Follow this link for more information about how PrEP works.
What is PrEPStart?
PrEPStart is a program that provides three months of PrEP for free to people who do not have a drug plan. This program lets you start PrEP right away while you find the drug plan that’s right for you with the help of a PrEPStart pharmacist.
Who is eligible for PrEPStart?
Anyone living in Ontario with a valid Ontario health number (OHIP number) or who is enrolled in a federal health insurance program, such as First Nations and Inuit people, refugees, and refugee claimants, is eligible for PrEPStart. Prescriptions can be shipped anywhere in Ontario for eligible patients.
Why create PrEPStart?
PrEPStart was created to help people get PrEP while they explore their options for drug insurance. Ontario has many public drug plans that cover PrEP at little or no cost, but some people don’t know what programs they might be eligible for. PrEPStart gives you a free three-month supply of PrEP and connects you with someone who can help you find ongoing insurance to cover PrEP.
How do I access the program?
Enrolling in the program is simple!
- See a health care provider:
Visit a doctor or nurse practitioner for a PrEP assessment, which includes HIV and STI testing. Click here to find a health care provider near you who can prescribe PrEP. - Health care provider to complete prescription form:
Once you have been assessed and have your test results, ask your health care provider to complete the PrEPStart prescription form and fax it to the program pharmacy, Maple Leaf Pharmacy in Toronto. Instructions can be found on the bottom of the prescription form. - Pharmacy to fill prescription:
Maple Leaf Pharmacy will contact you to confirm your information and will then fill your 3 month PrEP prescription. If you live in Toronto, the pharmacist will provide instruction on picking up your prescription. If you live outside Toronto, the pharmacy will ship the medication directly to you. - Enroll in drug insurance coverage:
The program pharmacy will help you explore and enroll in a drug insurance program. This will help you get free and affordable PrEP beyond the first three months. Check out the different options for ongoing drug coverage. If you need further help figuring out your coverage options or completing an application for drug coverage, contact the PrEPStart support line at 416‑903‑9992 or by email at [email protected].
Have other questions about PrEP?
Check out all our resources on OntarioPrEP.ca – a one-stop PrEP portal for people interested in PrEP and their health care providers. Read more about what PrEP is, what to expect before you start, and tips to help you stay on PrEP.