VA today announced that it is now able to fund care for all Veterans with hepatitis C for Fiscal Year 2016 regardless of the stage of the patient’s liver disease. The move follows increased funding from Congress along with reduced drug prices.

“We’re honored to be able to expand treatment for Veterans who are afflicted with hepatitis C,” says VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin. “To manage limited resources previously, we established treatment priority for the sickest patients. Additionally, if Veterans are currently waiting on an appointment for community care through the Choice Program, they can now turn to their local VA facility for this treatment or can elect to continue to receive treatment through the Choice Program.”

VA has long led the country in screening for and treating hepatitis C. VA has treated over 76,000 Veterans infected with hepatitis C and approximately 60,000 have been cured. In addition, since the beginning of 2014, more than 42,000 patients have been treated with the new highly effective antivirals. In fiscal year 2015, VA allocated $696 million for new hepatitis C drugs (17 percent of the VA’s total pharmacy budget) and in fiscal year 2016, VA anticipates spending approximately $1 billion on hepatitis C drugs. VA expects that with the expansion, many more Veterans will be started on hepatitis C treatment every week this fiscal year.

In addition to furnishing clinical care to Veterans with hepatitis C, VA Research continues to expand the knowledge base regarding the disease through scientific studies focused on effective care, screening, and healthcare delivery including to female Veterans and Veterans with complicated medical conditions in addition to hepatitis C.

For additional information on Hepatitis C treatments Veterans can go to http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/patient/hcv/index.asp.

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5 Comments

  1. TazMage March 11, 2016 at 18:48

    My doctor told me today, that I wouldn’t be receiving treatment. She said that even though I “may have been exposed to the virus at some point in the past, there isn’t enough of it in my system to warrant treatment”. I thought the article said, “…ALL Veterans with hepatitis C for Fiscal Year 2016 REGARDLESS OF THE STAGE of the patient’s liver disease.” (caps are mine). So, which is it? Both can not be true. I am a 100% Service Connected Disabled Vet and would appreciate any clarification that anyone can provide. Thanks.

  2. robert alan searcy March 11, 2016 at 14:22

    roudebush va in indy stomped hepc for me in early 2014 . i an forever grateful and feel years younger and stronger .

  3. Thomas Frank Daugherty March 11, 2016 at 11:48

    The choice card is not clear on how to use it. Also, first they say I am over 40 miles to a VA clinic. “Which I am”. Then they tell me I don’t qualify because I am closer than 40 miles. Port Angeles Wa. To Seattle is 82 miles. Who is doing the math???

  4. Ernest Di Nardo March 11, 2016 at 11:37

    I have Hepatitis C , I would like to receive the treatment.

    • Scott March 11, 2016 at 12:50

      Get treatment as cure rate is just about 100 percent with these new drugs. You have to take them exactly as prescribed.

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