Common questions
Am I eligible for PrEP-AP?
Here are the requirements to get your PrEP or PEP related costs covered by PrEP-AP:
Resident of California (regardless of your immigration status)
Age 12+ (at this time Color only provides services to those 18+)
HIV negative
Proof of ID
Uninsured and ineligible for Medi-Cal, or insurance does not fully cover PrEP, PEP, or related services*
*PrEP-AP can also offer coverage if you are not the primary policy holder of your health insurance plan and have confidentiality concerns accessing PrEP or PEP regardless of your income.
I have insurance. Am I eligible for PEP through this program?
You are eligible for PEP through this program as long as you are an 18+ year old California resident, regardless of your insurance status or income.
I have insurance. Am I eligible for PrEP through this program?
If you are insured, you are eligible if any of the below apply to you:
You are the dependent on your parent, spouse, or registered domestic partner’s health insurance plan and you have confidentiality concerns with them accessing information about your HIV Prevention services. If this applies, you are eligible regardless of your income
You have MediCare without Part D
You have applied to MediCal and are pending their determination of your coverage. If you do receive MediCal coverage, then you must switch to using your MediCal insurance and seek clinical care from an in-network provider
If you have a health insurance plan that partially covers the costs of HIV Prevention services, then we can enroll you in PrEP-AP to cover your remaining costs. However, you must access your clinical services, including consultations, testing, and prescriptions, through a clinician that is in-network with your insurance plan.
I do not have insurance. Am I eligible for PrEP through this program?
Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria, including being 18+ years old, a California resident, and Income at least 500% below poverty line
I have confidentiality concerns about seeing an in-person provider. Am I eligible for this program?
For the purposes of eligibility to this program, confidentiality concerns are only relevant if they apply to using your insurance, as described above. If you have confidentiality concerns accessing in person clinical services, we recommend looking at in-network PrEP TeleHealth providers. Options may include Q Care+ or MISTR.
What happens if I test positive for HIV?
If you test positive for HIV, a Color Care Advocate will reach out to help with next steps, which may include another test to confirm your result, a referral to in-person care, information on paying for treatment, and other support not covered by PrEP-AP like transportation, if you need it.
What do you test for in addition to HIV?
In addition to the HIV test, your kit includes tests for kidney function, liver function, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C), lipid tests, and pregnancy (when appropriate). These tests are important to determine which PrEP medication is right for you.
What happens if I test positive for an STI?
Your HIV test kit will also test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. If you test positive for one of these STIs, a Color Care Advocate will reach out to help you with next steps.
How often do I need to take PrEP?
The pill form of PrEP should be taken once a day, ideally at the same time of day.
How often do I need to take PEP?
PEP is two or more pills depending on your prescription, taken every day for 28 days. You must start PEP within 72 hours of an exposure to HIV.
Can I consume alcohol while on PrEP?
Yes, you may consume alcohol while on PrEP.
What are the potential side effects of PrEP or PEP?
Some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, or stomach pain. Sleep problems, unusual dreams or mood changes can also occur. These side effects usually go away over time. If your symptoms get worse, get in the way of daily functioning or your ability to continue taking your medication, reach out to our team.
Does PrEP prevent all STIs?
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, but it provides no protection against STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Condoms are the best protection against STIs.
What are pharmaceutical assistance programs?
Pharmaceutical assistance programs, like Gilead Advancing Access, assist under- or uninsured people with the cost of HIV preventive medication.
Contact Us
Email: patients@color.com
Call: (833) 919-3696
Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM PST, 7 days a week.
How do I file a complaint or grievance?
You may file a complaint or grievance by calling (833) 919-3696 or sending an email to patients@color.com. A Grievance Form may also be requested.