HIV Prevention, Care, and Support Resources
Learn how to prevent and manage HIV with MVP Health Care. Explore resources for PrEP, PEP, care management, and support services.
HIV Prevention
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks your immune system. This makes it hard for your body to fight infection and disease. It can be prevented by practicing safe sex, not sharing drug injection supplies, and using medicine before or after a possible HIV exposure.
Prevent HIV with PrEP and PEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is a medication for people without HIV who may be exposed through sex or injection drug use. It helps prevent HIV when it is taken as prescribed. PrEP can be safely taken by people who are on birth control, hormone therapy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Because PrEP is for people without HIV, an HIV test is needed before starting PrEP, and every three months while taking it.
PrEP is covered in full under all MVP health plans. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) about a prescription for PrEP. Or access virtual care in the Gia by MVP mobile app to request a prescription.
Learn more about PrEP, or find a doctor who can prescribe PrEP, from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is a medication that may prevent you from getting HIV after a possible exposure. PEP is most effective when it is started as soon as possible, no more than 72 hours after the exposure.
PEP is covered in full under all MVP health plans. If you think you were exposed to HIV, you can obtain PEP quickly by:
- Calling the New York State (NYS) PEP hotline at (844) PEP4NOW (844-737-4669). If you need PEP medication, they will call the prescription in to a pharmacy near you.
- Talking with your PCP right away. Your PCP may be able to send a PEP prescription to a pharmacy near you that has the medication in stock.
- Accessing virtual care in the Gia by MVP mobile app
- Going to the local emergency room right away.
Learn more about PEP, or find a doctor who can prescribe PEP, from the NYSDOH.
Living with HIV
Connect with a Nurse for Extra Support
If you are living with HIV, or are newly diagnosed, MVP is here to help. MVP Care Management has a team of health care professionals and nurses to help you manage your health and find additional resources you may need. A Case Manger can help you:
- Understand your treatment plan and medications
- Get medical care or testing
- Find community resources, including food or transportation
- Stay healthy with ways to eat right, stay active, and make sure you get enough sleep
- Find behavioral health support
- Get answers to questions you may have about HIV
Working with a Case Manager is covered at no cost under your MVP health plan. Call 1-866-942-7966 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm, Eastern Time to speak with a Case Manager.
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When you are living with HIV, there are things you can do to feel better and lead an active life. Here's how.
Take your HIV medicine exactly as directed
Talk to your doctor if you have problems such as trouble paying for your medicine or missing doses. Your doctor wants to help. You can speak with an MVP Case Manager about your medications as well.
Take care to avoid food poisoning
Having HIV means you may be more likely to get food-borne diseases. Learn how to handle, prepare, and store food safely to reduce your risk.
If you smoke, take the steps to quit
Having HIV increases your risk of heart attacks and lung cancer. Smoking increases these risks even more. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
An MVP Case Manager can also help you take the steps toward quitting. Call 1-866-942-7966 (TTY 711) to connect with a Case Manager.
Make healthy food choices
Good nutrition can help your immune system and improve your overall health. Talk to your doctor or an MVP Case Manager about following a healthy diet that works for you.
You can also work with a dietitian, who can review your diet and create a detailed menu to work with your lifestyle. MVP members have access to virtual nutrition counseling with a dietitian at no added cost*, through myVisitNow. Visit myVisitNow to learn more or to sign up.
Get regular exercise
Exercise helps relieve stress and helps you feel less tired. It also keeps your heart, lungs, and muscles strong. And it may help your immune system work better. Before starting or changing an exercise routine, talk to your doctor about exercise that is right for you.
Learn more about HIV
This will let you take a more active role in your care. See resources at the bottom of this page for more information and guidance on HIV.
If you inject drugs, use new, clean syringes and needles every time
Don't share injection supplies with others.
Get the support you may need
- Connect with an MVP Case Manager. See the information above for more.
- Find a support group where you feel comfortable and safe. This can be a good place to share information, problem-solving tips, and emotions.
- If you need more support, ask your doctor to connect you with a counselor. Counseling can help you cope with stress and stigma, and it can help if you have substance use disorder or a mental health condition.
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*Nutrition counseling through myVisitNow is available at no cost-share for most members. In-person visits and referrals are subject to cost-share per plan. Members’ direct or digital provider visits may be subject to co-pay/cost-share per plan.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
Need a PrEP or PEP Prescription?
Use the Gia app to connect with a provider quickly. Gia providers may be able to help with PrEP or PEP prescriptions.
Health Library
Visit the Healthwise Knowledgebase for the latest information on HIV, including tests, counseling, and self-care.
MVP Care Management
Get health tips, connect to local resources, find medical care or testing sites, and more. Connect with a Case Manager at 1-866-942-7966 (TTY 711).