HIV care and LGBTQ+ health


Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (Highmark BCBS) has adopted the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Clinical Guidelines for medical care of persons with HIV infection and those at risk.

Our goal is early identification and treatment of HIV and health education and prevention for all members to reduce the risk of developing AIDS. Through member engagement, we aim to increase rates of retention in care and adherence to treatment in an effort to improve overall viral load suppression rates.

Highmark BCBS is also committed to the LGBTQ+ community. In this section, you will also find resources on LGBTQ+ health.

HIV prevention — PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a cornerstone of HIV prevention and is strongly endorsed by New York state (NYS). However, it is underutilized, particularly by communities disproportionately affected by HIV. This guideline provides NYS clinicians with recommendations on promoting sexual health and the use of PrEP.

Primary HIV care

The purpose of this guideline is to provide NYS clinicians with evidence-based clinical recommendations for comprehensive primary care to patients with HIV, whether care is provided in an HIV specialty or primary care setting.

Perinatal HIV care

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide recommendations for perinatal and postpartum treatment for women with HIV.

LGBTQ+ health

OutCare , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the nation’s first comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ healthcare offering provider and healthcare resource directories, mentorship, medical education reform, and cultural competency training. OutCare’s most notable endeavor, the OutList, is an online, nationwide directory of healthcare providers who identify as culturally competent in the care of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) provides a free cultural competence four-part webinar series about the healthcare of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Provider tools and resources

Interested in becoming a provider in the Highmark BCBS network?

We look forward to working with you to provide quality service for our members.