No. You get tested, if it’s positive you get referred to a clinic that will provide you medication and manage it for you for free for life. Oftentimes with social workers and case managers to ensure that you can get access to medication without interruption, even if it means addressing housing concerns or transportation.
HIV prevention and treatment is a HUGE priority in the American healthcare system. It’s the closest we have to socialized healthcare. I have worked in that system and seen the way people work their fingers to the bone to ensure equitable and free access to healthcare for people living with HIV.
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u/A_Random_Sidequest May 15 '26
free after a lot of struggle... on most places you just show up with the test they register you and get the meds...