Bee Busy specifically tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C. For individuals needing a rapid HIV test in Houston, you can contact Bee Busy clinic. A rapid test can produce results in roughly 20 minutes. To make an appointment for free HIV testing you can call Bee Busy at 713.774.8800.
Full Answer
Where can I get help with hepatitis C treatment?
VCare Family Practice Physicians can help you and your family with medical treatment of the following conditions: Acute (emergency) infections. Arthritis. High blood pressure. Diabetes. High cholesterol. Heart disease (cardiac respiratory) Dermatology (skin problems) Gastrointestinal and stomach ailments.
How much does hepatitis C treatment cost?
Avenue 360 Health & Wellness*. 2150 West 18th Street. Houston, TX 77008. *The Houston Viral Hepatitis Task Force is meeting virtually during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Meetings are open to the public and all are invited.
Where can I take care of my health in Houston?
· Some nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations offer financial support to help people cope with the costs of hepatitis C. For example, you …
How many free and income based health clinics are in Houston?
Legacy offers on site assistance through a patient navigator to understand your treatment options and your path to a HEP C cure. For immediate assistance, contact us at (832) 548 5221 with questions about testing, treatment and referrals.
How can I get hep C treatment 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 Medi-Cal cover hep C treatment?
Jerry Brown and state lawmakers have set aside $70 million in next year's budget — which starts July 1 — so that almost all Medi-Cal recipients with hepatitis C will become eligible for the medications, as long as they are at least 13 and have more than one year to live.
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 much does it cost to get rid of hep C?
The Cost of Hepatitis C Treatment Harvoni cost even more -- $94,500 for a 12-week course, though some patients may be cured after only eight weeks, or $63,000. Gilead's newer offering, Epclusa, goes for just over $74,000. The gamechanger in the market may be Mavyret, which costs $26,500 for treatment.
How do people pay for hep C treatment?
Visit Medicare.gov. to see if your state is among them. You can also apply for assistance from nonprofit organizations to pay for your hepatitis C drugs. For example, PAN Foundation may provide $6,800 a year if funding is available. Other groups don't help directly but can point you to sources of assistance.
How long can you live with hep C?
People with hepatitis C can live many years after diagnosis, but the range varies. A 2014 study showed that patients infected with hepatitis C virus died on average 15 years sooner than people who did not have the illness. With hepatitis C, the liver becomes seriously damaged due to inflammation.
Can you get rid of hep C on your own?
Can hepatitis C go away on its own? Yes. From 15% to 20% of people with hep C clear it from their bodies without treatment. It's more likely to happen in women and people who have symptoms.
What is the newest treatment for hep C?
Recent advances in antiviral treatment have led to the development of new highly effective drugs for the treatment of all types of hepatitis C. The new hepatitis C treatments are sofosbuvir with ledipasvir (Harvoni); sofosbuvir (Sovaldi); daclatasvir (Daklinza); and ribavirin (Ibavyr).
Can hep C go away on it's own?
However, hepatitis C usually is a chronic illness (which means it doesn't go away on its own). If you have hepatitis C, you need to be watched carefully by a doctor because it can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
How much does it cost to treat hepatitis C?
When these medications were introduced, the cost of one full treatment course could reach about $100,000 per patient.
What is the number to call for hepatitis C?
They can be reached at 877-HELP-4-HEP (877-435-7443). 5. The HealthWell Foundation. Individuals living with hepatitis C may get copay assistance from the foundation.
How long does it take to cure hepatitis C?
The course of treatment is also much shorter, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks rather than a year. One concern for people seeking treatment ...
How to find out about a drug program?
To find out more about program specifics, speak to your healthcare provider or insurance carrier, or contact the pharmaceutical companies directly.
Which states require liver damage?
Arkansas and South Dakota, for example, require severe liver damage — stage 3 liver fibrosis (F3) or greater — before someone can receive medication, and Texas requires moderate liver damage (F2) or greater, before a person can qualify for treatment, according to a report published in May 2021 by The Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation of Harvard Law School and the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable.
Who received funding for his hepatitis C therapy through Medicare?
Take, for instance, Albert Pannell, who received funding to pay for his hepatitis C therapy through Medicare.
Can hepatitis C be treated?
Hepatitis C can be effectively treated, but cost is often an issue. Here are some financial aid resources that can help you get the treatment you need. Since 2014, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have dramatically changed the landscape for hepatitis C treatment. These drugs are almost 100 percent effective in curing the disease, ...
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.
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 you get experimental treatment for free?
If you’re willing to try an experimental treatment, you might be a good candidate for a clinical trial. By participating in a trial, you can receive experimental treatment for free. You might even receive a small payment for your participation. To learn about the potential benefits and risks of participating in a trial, talk to your doctor.
Can you get disability for liver disease?
Consider applying for disability benefits. If complications of liver disease have made it hard for you to meet your responsibilities at work, you might qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. If you receive Social Security disability benefits for two years, you will also be enrolled in Medicare.
What is a HEP C?
HEP C is an infectious blood-borne disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. HEP C typically produces mild or no symptoms during the early stages, many people are unaware they are infected until liver damage shows up—sometimes decades later—during a routine medical test.
Can HEP cause liver failure?
Chronic HEP infection can cause other serious health problems, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. However, with recent advances in HEP C treatment we now have higher cure rates, shorter treatment times, and all-oral treatment regimens for most people.
What is the Houston homeless clinic?
Healthcare for the Homeless is a clinic that provides medical care to those living on the streets of Houston. In addition, this homeless healthcare clinic offers the following types of free STD testing:
Where is the HIV testing site in Houston?
This HIV testing site is located in LBJ Hospital. The address is 5550 Kelly St , Houston, TX 77026. Call them at 713.566.2178 or 713.566.4858 for more information.
What is Legacy Clinic?
Legacy Clinic is a local clinic that provides both STD testing and access to an HIV clinic in Houston.
What is change happens in Houston?
Change Happens provides residents with another option for STD testing in Houston.
What time does Club Houston test for HIV?
Club Houston offers free HIV and syphilis testing on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm and Fridays 2 pm to 4pm.
Where is the AIDS Foundation located?
AIDS Foundation is a walk-in clinic. Visit their office at 6260 Westpark Dr. Suite 100, Houston, TX 77057 during business hours for free HIV and syphilis testing. To schedule an appointment call this HIV testing site at 713.623.6796.
Does Legacy Clinic have syphilis testing?
Legacy Clinic has partnered with a number or Houston area clubs to offer syphilis and HIV testing. You can find addresses and telephone numbers below.
How to search for patient assistance programs?
You can do so by simply using their database search and typing in the name of a specific drug or pharmaceutical company name.
What is medication assistance?
These medication assistance programs are typically offered by pharmaceutical companies, health and human service departments, or nonprofits. The programs are offered as a safety net to ensure that individuals who are considered low-income or uninsured are able to afford their medications.
What is state pharmaceutical assistance?
State Pharmaceutical Programs. You can also find help paying for medications through State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAP). These programs are sponsored by each state and provide residents with help paying for prescription drugs and other medical costs like dialysis and HIV/AIDS treatment.
Does Healthwell provide medication assistance?
The Healthwell Foundation provides assistance in the form of a 12-month grant that is used to pay for medications. You can search for assistance based on medications or specific medical conditions found on their “Disease Funds” page. Some of those diseases include: COVID-19 insurance premium payment assistance.
How many cases of AIDS are there in Houston?
In Houston alone there are 29,408 cases of AIDS, which makes up 92% of the known cases in Harris County. As a state, Texas ranked third in a list of the worst U.S. states for new cases of HIV. The statistics for other STDs are not any better and this includes those for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis.
Where is Planned Parenthood testing located in Houston?
There are many private and public testing centers available in Houston, including Planned Parenthood on Northwest Freeway and one on Bellaire Boulevard. Many private options are available as well, including a location on Chimney Rock Road, Westheimer Road, and more.
What is a safer STD test?
Safer STD Testing is an informational referral website. It refers customers to nationally reputed private STD Testing service providers ("Preferred Service Providers" or "Advertisers"). Safer STD Testing is not a medical or healthcare professional facility or a provider of any medical or healthcare services. Safer STD Testing gets compensated on net purchase of products or services by our users referred to such Preferred Service Providers. Click here to read our full disclaimer.
When was Legacy Community Health opened?
Opened in 1981 , Legacy Community Health now has other locations in the city. They welcome anyone with health care problems, though they do specialize in HIV and other STDs.
Does the clinic have after care?
The clinic does have limited after care treatment. Basically, only for prescriptions and an explanation of your test results.
Do you have to be in the county to get a free test?
However, if you want to take advantage of the free or reduce cost tests, you do have to provide proof that you reside in the county.
Is a full service health clinic family operated?
While a full-service health clinic, it is also family operated. They are licensed physicians and are trying to "give back" to the community.
Transmission
Typical Symptoms
- Most people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus do not have symptoms and lead normal lives. If symptoms are present they are generally mild flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, fatigue, and fever.
Diagnosis
- A simple blood test will tell if you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. More specific blood tests can assist in determining the status of the infection. There are three stages. Approximately 15-25% of persons with HCV are able to clear HCV from their system without medical treatment, known as resolved. Persons may be in an acute stage in which the virus is rapidly attacking the l…
Can Hepatitis C Be Treated?
- Treatment is recommended for all people, including non-pregnant women, with acute or chronic hepatitis C (including children three years or older and adolescents). Current treatments usually involve just 8–12 weeks of oral therapy (pills) and cure over 90% with few side effects. The FDA has approved several medications to treat hepatitis C.
What Can A Person with Chronic Hepatitis C Do to Take Care of His Or Her Liver?
- People with chronic Hepatitis C should be monitored regularly by an experienced doctor. They should avoid alcohol because it can cause additional liver damage. They also should check with a health professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, as these can potentially damage the liver. If liver damage is present, a person shou…
Testing For Hepatitis C
- CDC recommends hepatitis C testing if you: 1. Are 18 years of age and older (get tested at least once in your lifetime) 2. Are pregnant (get tested during each pregnancy) 3. Currently inject drugs (get tested regularly) 4. Have ever injected drugs, even if it was just once or many years ago 5. Have HIV 6. Have abnormal liver tests or liver disease 7. Are on hemodialysis 8. Received donat…
Prevention
- Do not share needles or "works." Do not share personal items which could be contaminated with blood (i.e. razors, toothbrushes). Avoid unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Clean up spilled blood with bleach and wear gloves when touching blood.