On March 9, the VA announced it is now able to fund care for all veterans with hepatitis C for FY 2016, regardless of the stage of the patient’s liver disease. The move follows increased funding from Congress, along with reduced drug prices. “We’re honored to be able to expand treatment for veterans who are afflicted with hepatitis C,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin. “To manage limited resources previously, we established treatment priority for the sickest patients. Additionally, if veterans are currently waiting on an appointment for community care through the Choice Program, they can now turn to their local VA facility for this treatment or can elect to continue to receive treatment through the Choice Program.” VA expects, with the expansion, many more veterans will be started on hepatitis C treatment this fiscal year.
