This is why we need single payer health care in the US. I don't want my employer having any say over what health choices I make. And now I know to boycott Publix and I have boycotted Hobby Lobby for a few years. Thanks for sharing this information.

Publix representatives were contacted numerous times for an explanation of the company’s decision, and they responded with a brief statement noting that “the health plans offered by Publix provide generous medical and prescription coverage.” “Annually, we evaluate benefits covered under our health plans,” Publix spokesperson Brenda Reid wrote in the statement. “There are numerous medications covered by the plan used in the treatment of HIV.” “There are some medications that have coverage limitations or require prior authorization,” Reid added. “Any Publix associate with questions regarding his or her coverage can contact our benefits department directly.”
The employee Holland assisted appealed the initial denial, was rejected twice more, and “was the only one we were not able to resolve through an appeal,” Holland said. “What we found out from the insurance company was that it came, ultimately, from the employer,” he added. “It wasn’t just an insurance issue; it was [that] the employer did not want it covered in the insurance.”
That’s a non-answer from Publix. It’s not clear at this point what the motivation is. It would be bad enough if it’s just a cost-cutting move because, while the drug really is quite expensive, it’s not like a big percentage of their employees will be on it, only those at high risk of HIV infection (which means primarily gay men, who are only a small percentage of the population). But if it’s due to some sort of religious objection, that’s far worse. But we don’t know yet because the company is being intentionally vague about it.

The bottom line is that people are probably going to die as a result of this. Not only should it be covered, it should be free for anyone who is in a high-risk group, whether they work for Publix or not. Lives will be saved if we made that a reality.