A message from Governor Inslee on the fight against Hepatitis C

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 01/15/2025 11:00 AM PST

January 15, 2025

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A message from Governor Inslee on the fight against Hepatitis C

Six years ago, we launched a plan to eliminate Hepatitis C in Washington state by 2030.

You recruited communities, organizations, and doctors to help us get there. The Health Care Authority (HCA) contracted with manufacturers for discounted drugs. We made policy changes to make it easier to test for and treat HCV, and we conducted outreach and education campaigns.

From 2019 to 2023, reported cases of chronic HCV in Washington State have fallen by 58%. And today, nearly twice as many people are having their HCV treated versus then. Our efforts are working.

I'd like to thank everyone involved – your work is making a difference in people’s lives. Communities and organizations are getting the word out. Health care providers are helping people earlier. Washingtonians are learning the risks and taking action.

There's a long road ahead before we reach our 2030 goal. A factor in the rise of HCV was the increase in opioid use several years ago, which we must continue to fight. Homelessness, we must continue to fight. Stigma, we must continue to fight.

But this is the Evergreen State, and we're ever reaching higher with our ambitions. This goal is not beyond our grasp. So keep reaching, keep working, and keep saving lives as you have. Washingtonians are counting on you.

Very truly yours,

Gov. Jay Inslee

Hepatitis C elimination resources

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

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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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.