Now is the time to treat hepatitis C
Test, treat, cure: Eliminating hepatitis C in Washington by 2030
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to pose a significant public health risk, affecting millions worldwide with many thousands infected in Washington State. May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and the urgency to test, treat, and cure Washingtonians of the deadliest blood borne disease in the country remains a top priority for the Health Care Authority (HCA) and partners.
"From 2019 to 2023, reported cases of chronic HCV in Washington State have fallen by 58 percent," wrote former Governor Jay Inslee in his message to the provider community on the fight against hepatitis C. "Today, nearly twice as many people are having their HCV treated versus then. Our efforts are working."
Why now?
For the second year in a row, Washington State has reached a hepatitis C treatment threshold that dramatically reduces the cost of MAVYRET®, the drug used to cure hepatitis C. For the next few months, the drug will be provided at a negligible cost to the state, making it more cost effective to test, treat, and cure hepatitis C.
"I'm thrilled we are making progress to eliminate hepatitis C," said Dr. Judy Zerzan-Thul, HCA's Medical Director. "This innovative model is treating more Apple Health (Medicaid) clients at a lower cost, which helps stretch limited state dollars."
MAVYRET® is the preferred drug for Apple Health clients and can be dispensed at up to a 12-week supply in a single fill.