A
new report from the Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) finds
that most Coloradans with the Hepatitis C virus are not being treated for what
can be a serious, long-term chronic liver infection.
The analysis also found that in spite of availability of new revolutionary
drugs, 89 percent of Coloradans in with Hepatitis C did not receive any
treatment for their condition.
The study analyzed claims data from the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO
APCD) for the commercially insured (excluding those on self-insured plans),
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members in 2013 and 2014.
Until recently, the most common treatment for Hepatitis C had significant side
effects and was difficult for many patients to tolerate.
At the end of 2013, oral medications with fewer serious side effects became
available that not only treat but eliminate symptoms.
Sovaldi was the first medication to hit the market, and later in 2014, Harvoni
became available as the first drug that could eliminate symptoms without the need
for a second drug. Both Solvadi and Harvoni have made headlines for being among
the most expensive drugs sold in America.
In 2013, four percent of Coloradans received medication for Hepatitis C prior
to the release of the new treatments.
When the new drugs entered the marketplace, the number of Coloradans receiving
drug treatment increased substantially, with seven percent on the new treatment
and four percent remaining on the old regimen.
With only 11 percent of the affected population on medication, nearly 90
percent of Coloradans with the condition are still not receiving any treatment
as part of their health care insurance benefit.
The analysis does not reflect Coloradans who may have received medication but
paid out-of-pocket or received treatment through a financial assistance
program.
The study analyzed claims data from the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO
APCD) for the commercially insured (excluding those on self-insured plans),
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members in 2013 and 2014.
Until recently, the most common treatment for Hepatitis C had significant side
effects and was difficult for many patients to tolerate.
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