Also, hep C treatment is available for veterans regardless of fibrosis stage, and is not restricted, like many of the private insurance and state Medicaid plans are. For more information, the VHA viral hepatitis
Hepatitis
Inflammatory condition of the liver.
Full Answer
Can I get VA benefits if I have hepatitis C?
With the help of your health care provider and a veterans disability lawyer, former service members with Hep C can strengthen their claims for veterans benefits. Here’s what veterans living with Hepatitis C should know. Denied VA Benefits? Get a Free Case Evaluation What Is Hepatitis C?
What are the treatment hurdles for veterans with hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C treatment includes antiviral medications. There have been some reports that state some veterans may be diagnosed but not undergoing/sticking to treatment due to compliance or efficacy when there are other medical and psychiatric conditions. Other factors that went into treatment hurdles for veterans is cost of treatment.
What if I Can’t afford hepatitis C treatment?
Having Hepatitis C is difficult enough but not being able to afford treatment medication and medical help can be overwhelming. There is good news for those who are uninsured or cannot afford treatment. Many resources exist to help Hep C patients and their families get the proper medical assistance they need. Check out the following resources.
Where can I find financial support for hepatitis C treatment?
The American Liver Foundation also maintains a helpful list of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs specifically for hepatitis C. Some nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations offer financial support to help people cope with the costs of hepatitis C.
Will the VA pay for hep C treatment?
As of mid-2018, VA has announced that all veterans in VA care who have the virus are eligible for treatment. Currently, there are two main drugs that have proven to be most effective in the treatment of the hepatitis C virus: Sovaldi and Harvoni. However, these drugs are very expensive.
How can I get hep C medication for free?
Patient assistance programs (PAPs) offer free hepatitis C drugs to lower-income people who are uninsured or underinsured, and who do not qualify for insurance programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Does hep C qualify for disability?
An individual with hepatitis C may be eligible for disability income if they meet the requirements outlined in the SSA's Listing of Impairments under Section 5.05, titled “Chronic liver disease.” Learn about the symptoms of chronic hepatitis C.
Who qualifies for hep C treatment?
With the exception of pregnant women, the World Health Organization recommends treatment be offered to all individuals aged 12 years or older diagnosed with HCV, regardless of their disease stage.
How do you pay for hep C treatment?
Funding Resources Available to Hep C PatientsPharmaceutical Programs. ... The American Liver Foundation (ALF) ... NeedyMeds. ... Help-4-Hep. ... The HealthWell Foundation. ... The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) ... The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation. ... The Patient Advocate Foundation.
What is the average cost of hep C treatment?
But they come at a price -- a steep one. A 2018 study found that a single pill of one hepatitis C drug cost $1,000. The total was $84,000 for its 12-week course of treatment. Another drug cost $23,600 per month.
What is the VA rating for hepatitis?
The Veteran's service-connected residuals of hepatitis B, inactive is currently assigned a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7345 based on evidence of daily fatigue, malaise, weight loss and hepatomegaly.
Is Hep C considered a terminal illness?
Complications from untreated hepatitis C, including cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver cancer, can be fatal, though HCV itself is rarely fatal.
What happens if Hep C is left untreated?
Hepatitis C can be a short-term illness, but for most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C can be a lifelong infection if left untreated. Chronic hepatitis C can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even death.
What does hep C pain feel like?
Many chronic HCV sufferers also complain of getting aches and pains. Large numbers get sharp pains over the liver (found in the upper right corner of the abdomen) which can sometimes be very alarming. These pains are not necessarily connected with severe liver disease.
How long does it take for a VA to cure hepatitis C?
The hepatitis C test is available for all Veterans enrolled in VA health care. The newest treatments can cure most patients in about 8-12 weeks. There are no injections with the new treatments, only once daily oral medications.
How many veterans have HCV?
Treating HCV can prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. VA has treated more than 123, 000 Veterans and cured more than 105,000 Veterans with HCV. VA and continues to make testing, treating, and curing HCV infection a priority. The hepatitis C test is available for all Veterans enrolled in VA health care.
What is VA health?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) serves a Veteran population that is increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. Equitable access to high-quality care for all Veterans is a major tenet of the VA health care mission.
Why does the VA deny veterans service connection for hep C?
Even though the VA recognizes these exposures the VA still denies veterans service connection for Hep C because there is no nexus between service and the current disease.
When was hepatitis C first diagnosed?
The medical community first started diagnosis Hepatitis C in 1989. Many veterans were infected, unbeknownst to them, in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s with Hepatitis C while they were in service. But they were never diagnosed with the illness until many years later.
Why are veterans not undergoing treatment?
There have been some reports that state some veterans may be diagnosed but not undergoing/sticking to treatment due to compliance or efficacy when there are other medical and psychiatric conditions. Other factors that went into treatment hurdles for veterans is cost of treatment.
Can veterans get hep C?
While some U.S. veterans may have contracted this disease during military service , the Department of Veterans Affairs often denies claims for Hep C benefits.
Can hepatitis C cause liver inflammation?
Other diseases can also play a major factor in contracting Hepatitis C. Yes, you heard that right- exposure to long term use of certain medications can cause inflammation of the liver. Many common medications are said to possibly lead to drug induced hepatitis (liver inflammation). There medications include:
Can hep C be dormant?
Since the disease can be dormant for years and not show itself for a long time this becomes an obstacle for veterans to overcome, because the VA will say that since the symptoms did not start for years after service it must not be related. This reasoning is against the weight of the medical literature on Hep C.
Can you win a Hep C case?
It’s not impossible to win a Hep C case ; however, an expert medical opinion is almost always needed in order for a veteran to have a chance for VA approval. This medical evidence will be key in supporting your claim for VA disability benefits.
What are some examples of financial support for hepatitis C?
For example, you might qualify for one or more of the following: copay, coinsurance, premium, or deductible assistance, if you have insurance. discounts on medication, with or without insurance coverage.
What to do if you are not happy with the price of a prescribed medication?
If you’re not happy with the price of a prescribed medication, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They might be willing to negotiate a lower price. They might also recommend another treatment plan that’s less expensive. Or they may have discount coupons or codes to use to reduce the price.
What is patient assistance?
Many drug manufacturers operate patient assistance programs to help uninsured and underinsured patients afford the costs of medication. Consider contacting the manufacturer of your prescribed medication to learn if you qualify for financial assistance.
What to do if your bill is higher than expected?
If you receive a bill that’s higher than you expected, contact your health insurance provider or your healthcare provider’s billing department. You might be able to negotiate to a reduced price.
Is hepatitis C high cost?
The financial costs of treating hepatitis C can be high. But there are many strategies and resources that you can use to manage the costs of care. Take some time to learn about the resources that are available to you. Last medically reviewed on March 25, 2019.
Can you get hepatitis C if you have no insurance?
Overview. With proper treatment, most people can be cured of hepatitis C . But antiviral treatment can be expensive, especially if you have little to no health insurance coverage. Here are some strategies you can use to help manage the costs of hepatitis C.
Can a veteran receive VA benefits?
If you’re a veteran, you might be eligible for comprehensive medical benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information, visit the Health Care section of the VA website. If you’re a spouse, dependant, or family caregiver of a veteran, you might also be able to receive medical benefits through the VA.
How many Hep C medications are there?
There are currently 9 main Hep C medications plus 2 generics on the market to use in treatment for Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C Treatment Medications. Many pharmaceutical companies have programs to assist patients with medication and support. See links below for the pharmaceutical companies that produce, Harvoni (sofosbuvir, ledipasvir) by Gilead, ...
Is hep C difficult to treat?
In: Daily Life, Hep C Help. 1. Having Hepatitis C is difficult enough but not being able to afford treatment medication and medical help can be overwhelming. There is good news for those who are uninsured or cannot afford treatment. Many resources exist to help Hep C patients and their families get the proper medical assistance they need.
