Hepatitis C is now highly curable, with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications achieving nearly 100% success rates. Despite this, only roughly one-third of newly diagnosed individuals receive treatment within the first year. The primary obstacle remains cost : DAAs can exceed $25,000 per month, often requiring two to three months of therapy.
While private insurance may cover portions of these expenses, Medicaid and Medicare frequently do not provide full coverage, leaving many patients struggling to afford life-saving treatment. However, several resources exist to help bridge this gap.
Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
Even with insurance, copays and deductibles can be prohibitive. Pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs to reduce these costs for eligible individuals. Some also provide free medication to uninsured or underinsured patients not covered by government programs. Key programs include:
- myAbbVie Assist (Mavyret)
- Gilead Support Path (Vosevi, Sovaldi, Harvoni)
- Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (Daklinz)
Applications typically require income verification, household size, and insurance details. Contact your healthcare provider or insurance carrier for specific program requirements.
Nonprofit Organizations
Several nonprofits offer additional support:
- The American Liver Foundation: Provides a downloadable guide to financial assistance resources.
- NeedyMeds: Offers a database of assistance programs for medication, insurance, and related expenses. They also have a drug discount card and a directory of free or low-cost clinics searchable by ZIP code.
- Help-4-Hep: A free helpline staffed by peer counselors who can connect you with financial aid, doctors, and support groups (877-HELP-4-HEP).
- The Assistance Fund: Provides financial aid for coinsurance, copays, and deductibles. Waiting lists may apply, requiring annual reapplication.
Government Coverage and Delays
Access to treatment is significantly lower for those on Medicaid and Medicare – 38% and 46% less likely to receive timely care compared to privately insured patients. Bureaucratic hurdles, such as prior authorization requirements and arbitrary six-month waiting periods, further delay treatment.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Delaying or forgoing treatment is ultimately more expensive. Untreated hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, the need for transplants, and long-term disability. “The cost of treatment is a drop in the bucket when you look at the potential costs of living with chronic hepatitis C,” says Dr. Joseph Galati, medical director of Houston Methodist’s liver transplant center.
Early intervention saves both lives and money.
The financial barriers to hepatitis C treatment are substantial, but numerous resources exist to help patients afford the care they need. Proactive engagement with these programs is crucial for ensuring timely access to life-saving medications.
