Communities in Action Press Release
October 17, 2023
No-Cost Options For HIV Exposure Treatment
November 15, 2023
Our providers don’t want the HIV treatment cost in Tampa to keep anyone from getting the help they need. If you or a loved one needs care, we can help.
Our patients know that our office is a welcoming place that offers services to anyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Whether you need STI testing and treatment, primary care, wellness exams, gender-affirming care, or help connecting with local resources, we are here for you.
If you are living with HIV or need HIV preventative care, it can be expensive. You can expect to pay between $1,800 – $4,500 a month for HIV treatment, which for many people is prohibitively pricey. We can connect patients to the services they need so that they can receive medications without worrying about the HIV treatment cost in Tampa.
No-Cost HIV Treatment in Tampa
We are proud to offer HIV treatment as one of our medical services, and we do so at no cost. Our case management team can also bridge the gap between resources and our community by connecting individuals in need with food assistance, public assistance, employment opportunities, and financial assistance.
To make it easier to understand important aspects of HIV care, we’ve incorporated bullet points and numbered lists that clearly outline the steps and criteria you need to know.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
For HIV-negative people who check these boxes, the preventative treatment called PrEP may be a good option. If you have had anal or vaginal sex with an HIV-positive partner in the last six months, have not used condoms consistently, or have been diagnosed with an STI in the previous six months, PrEP may be right for you.
You may also consider PrEP treatment if you use injectable drugs with an HIV-positive injection partner or you share needles and other injection materials.
When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by 74%, and it’s 99% effective at reducing the risk of HIV from sex. Contact our Tampa team to see if PrEP is an appropriate treatment for you.
You may be eligible for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) if you:
- Have had anal or vaginal sex with an HIV-positive partner in the last six months.
- Have not consistently used condoms during sexual activity.
- Have been diagnosed with an STI within the last six months.
- Use injectable drugs with an HIV-positive injection partner or share needles and other injection materials.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If you’ve been exposed to HIV, you should act immediately and come to our clinic for PEP treatment. PEP is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission when administered within 72 hours of exposure, and treatment continues for four weeks.
Steps to Take After HIV Exposure
- Act Immediately: If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV, seek medical attention within 72 hours.
- Visit Our Clinic: Come to Harmony Healthcare for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, which is most effective when started as soon as possible.
- Follow the Treatment Plan: PEP treatment involves a four-week course of medication, so it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Get Tested: After completing PEP, follow up with an HIV test to confirm your status.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Treating HIV involves taking a combination of medicines every day. This treatment regimen should start as soon as possible after a diagnosis. Although ART can’t cure HIV, it can reduce the risk of transmission and lower the viral load to an undetectable level. Individuals living with HIV who consistently keep their viral load undetectable pose virtually no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative partners during sex.
HIV Treatment Cost in Tampa: Frequently Asked Questions
Is HIV treatment really free in Tampa at Harmony Healthcare?
Yes. Harmony Healthcare offers HIV treatment at no cost to patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our team also helps connect patients with assistance programs to ensure continued access to care and medications.
What if I don’t have insurance?
You can still receive care. Our clinic welcomes patients with or without insurance, and our case management team helps navigate available programs and resources so cost is not a barrier.
How quickly can I start treatment if I test positive for HIV?
Treatment can begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Early treatment helps protect your health and reduces the risk of transmission.
Is PrEP expensive if I qualify for it?
PrEP can be costly without assistance, but many patients qualify for programs that cover or significantly reduce the cost. Our Tampa team will help determine eligibility and guide you through the process.
What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to HIV?
You should seek care immediately. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is most effective when started within 72 hours of exposure. Our clinic can evaluate your situation and begin treatment quickly if appropriate.
Do you offer services beyond HIV treatment?
Yes. In addition to HIV care, we offer STI testing and treatment, primary care, wellness exams, gender-affirming care, and connections to community resources that support overall health.
Is my visit confidential?
Absolutely. Patient privacy and confidentiality are a priority at Harmony Healthcare. All services are provided in a respectful, welcoming, and confidential environment.
Harmony Healthcare: Connecting Our Community
Our mission is to provide care to individuals in our community to maintain their physical, sexual, and mental health. And we don’t want cost to get in the way, so if you’re wondering about the HIV treatment cost in Tampa, we’ve got you covered. At our clinics, everyone is welcome, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. We believe that access to essential healthcare services should never be a barrier, and we’re here to ensure that our community receives the care they need without financial worry.
Visit our Tampa clinic today to get started on your journey to better health, or call us now to schedule your free HIV test and pick up free condoms during your visit. Contact us for more information.
