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Accessing the cure: helping patients with hepatitis C overcome barriers to care

Christine Rodriguez1, Andrew Reynolds

  • 1National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, 1424 K St NW, 2nd Fl, Washington, DC 20005.

The American Journal of Managed Care
|June 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

High costs for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cures create significant barriers to treatment, despite effective options being available. Innovative strategies are emerging to improve access to HCV care and treatment for affected patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Public Health
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a chronic disease with available cures.
  • Previous HCV treatments were largely ineffective and associated with severe side effects.
  • Newer, effective HCV treatments are available but face access challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the dilemma of high-cost HCV cures in the American healthcare system.
  • To identify barriers to accessing Hepatitis C virus treatment.
  • To showcase innovative strategies addressing HCV care access.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of the current landscape of Hepatitis C virus treatment access.
  • Analysis of cost-sharing mechanisms as barriers to care.
  • Examination of advocacy group initiatives.

Main Results:

  • Effective Hepatitis C virus cures exist, but high prices create significant financial barriers.
  • Cost-sharing elements like premiums, deductibles, and co-payments impede patient access to treatment.
  • A substantial number of patients are willing but unable to afford HCV cure.

Conclusions:

  • High treatment costs for Hepatitis C virus present a major challenge to achieving widespread cure.
  • Innovative strategies by advocacy organizations are crucial for improving access to HCV care.
  • Addressing cost barriers is essential for public health efforts to eliminate Hepatitis C virus.

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