bisexual men of color, transgender individuals, and women of all gender identities. (15) Adequate knowledge of guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for assessing indications for PEP and for initiating and sustaining PEP are low among health care providers and staff. Because PEP is an emergency intervention, insufficient knowledge among providers and staff in hospital emergency rooms, urgent care centers, community health centers, and primary care physicians is of particular concern. (16) Private and public health insurance plans and programs frequently impose requirements for coverage of PEP, including pre-authorization requirements and requirements to obtain the medications through designated specialty pharmacies and mail-order programs that pose significant obstacles to timely initiation of treatment. (17) Insurance deductibles and co-payments for PEP medications create significant barriers to PEP utilization by many individuals who have experienced high-risk incidents. (18) The Federal Government has a compelling interest in preventing new cases of HIV. Lowering the prevalence of HIV protects public health and saves on the cost of HIV treatment. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of the Treasury should ensure compliance with the requirements described in paragraphs (8) and (9) of subsection (a). 3. Coverage of HIV testing and prevention services (a) Private insurance (1) In general Section 2713(a) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300gg–13(a) ) is amended— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking