Now is the time to treat hepatitis C

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 05/22/2025 08:00 AM PDT

May 22, 2025

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Test, treat, cure

Eliminating hepatitis C in Washington by 2030

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to pose a significant public health risk, affecting millions worldwide with many thousands infected in Washington State. May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and the urgency to test, treat, and cure Washingtonians of the deadliest blood borne disease in the country remains a top priority for the Health Care Authority (HCA) and partners.

"From 2019 to 2023, reported cases of chronic HCV in Washington State have fallen by 58 percent," wrote former Governor Jay Inslee in his message to the provider community on the fight against hepatitis C. "Today, nearly twice as many people are having their HCV treated versus then. Our efforts are working."

Why now?

For the second year in a row, Washington State has reached a hepatitis C treatment threshold that dramatically reduces the cost of MAVYRET^®, the drug used to cure hepatitis C. For the next few months, the drug will be provided at a negligible cost to the state, making it more cost effective to test, treat, and cure hepatitis C.

"I'm thrilled we are making progress to eliminate hepatitis C," said Dr. Judy Zerzan-Thul, HCA's Medical Director. "This innovative model is treating more Apple Health (Medicaid) clients at a lower cost, which helps stretch limited state dollars."

MAVYRET^® is the preferred drug for Apple Health clients and can be dispensed at up to a 12-week supply in a single fill.

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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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.