Hepatitis C treatment barriers continue to persist despite recent cost reductions, according to a new study. Even though there have been significant advancements in treatment options and a decrease in the price of drugs, many individuals are still facing challenges in accessing the necessary care.
The study highlighted the case of Rick Jaenisch, who had to undergo treatment six times before finally being cured in 2017. Each time, his doctors recommended a different combination of drugs, and his insurer initially denied the treatment requests before eventually approving them. This led to delays in his care, even after he developed end-stage liver disease and was awaiting a liver transplant.
Jaenisch’s experience reflects the difficulties faced by many others infected with hepatitis C. The disease often remains unnoticed for years, causing damage to the liver without any noticeable symptoms. It is estimated that 40% of the 2 million infected individuals in the U.S. are unaware of their condition.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study and found that, despite the availability of highly effective and more affordable treatments, only about a third of individuals with an initial hepatitis C diagnosis were able to clear the virus. Even among commercially insured patients, who were more likely to receive treatment, only half of those aged 60 or older achieved viral clearance.
Experts have identified several barriers that contribute to the low rates of treatment success. Initially, the high cost of drugs restricted access, with private plans and state Medicaid programs implementing rigorous approval processes and other restrictions. However, as drug prices decreased and pressure mounted from advocates and public health experts, many states removed these barriers.
Nevertheless, there are still other obstacles that have little to do with the cost of the drugs. Ronni Marks, a former hepatitis C patient, pointed out that disadvantaged individuals such as rural residents, the uninsured, transgender people, and injection drug users often struggle to access services and testing.
Unlike the comprehensive and coordinated program for HIV patients provided by the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDs program, there is currently no equivalent system for hepatitis C patients. To address these challenges, the Biden administration proposed a $12.3 billion, five-year initiative to eliminate hepatitis C. This initiative aims to improve access to testing, treatment, and medications for vulnerable groups, establish a point-of-care diagnostic test approval process, and strengthen the public health infrastructure for hepatitis C education and treatment.
The proposal has received support from advocates, who believe it is a crucial step towards ending hepatitis C. However, there are concerns about whether Congress will allocate the necessary funding for the initiative. It is hoped that this initiative will not only save lives but also result in substantial cost savings in the long run.
Hepatitis C has long been a silent killer in the United States, responsible for nearly 20,000 deaths annually. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone infected with hepatitis C can access affordable and effective treatment. The proposed initiative by the Biden administration presents a unique opportunity to eliminate this disease and improve the lives of millions of Americans.
