HCA and DOH remain committed to eliminating hepatitis C in Washington State

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 05/03/2021 11:30 AM PDT

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HCA and DOH remain committed to eliminating hepatitis C in Washington State

This message comes to you from the Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Department of Health (DOH), reminding you of our shared commitment to rid our state of the most common blood borne disease in the United States. We have seen unprecedented times in the last year, but our resolve to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) in Washington State remains steadfast.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month with National Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19, and World Hepatitis Day is on July 28. These observances serve as a time to raise awareness of HCV and to encourage testing and treatment. Millions of people are living with hepatitis and don’t even know it because they aren't experiencing symptoms.

Washington State Apple Health (Medicaid) has removed barriers to HCV treatment

MAVYRET^® is the preferred medication in the Antivirals: Hepatitis C Agents on the Apple Health Preferred Drug List, and no longer requires prior authorization (PA).
Anyone licensed to prescribe antiviral treatments is allowed to screen and treat Apple Health members to support this effort.
There is no requirement for sobriety or chronic HCV to be eligible for treatment.

Background

Hepatitis C is the most common blood borne disease in the United States. Between 75 and 85 percent of people infected develop chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) which is a lifelong condition that can cause severe scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, liver cancer, the need for a liver transplant, and even death. The death toll from HCV continues to rise, tied to the opioid epidemic and the rise in drug injection. About 60,000 Washingtonians live with chronic HCV; approximately 30,000 are covered by state-purchased health care insurance.

More information

For more information and resources, please see HCA's hepatitis C elimination webpage.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.