MARCH 19, 2024. By Dr. Sofia Bartlett
Highly effective medications that can cure hepatitis C infection, called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), have been approved for use in Canada for people over the age of 18 since 2014. These medications are well-tolerated, nearly 100% effective, and have treatment durations of just eight or 12 weeks. DAAs have simplified hepatitis C treatment considerably, allowing treatments to be prescribed by primary care providers, such as nurse practitioners and family doctors.
Now that the treatment itself is so simple, getting coverage for reimbursement of DAAs is the most complicated and challenging aspect of treating hepatitis C infection in Canada. Almost 90% of DAA claims are covered by public drug plans in Canada, and because publicly funded prescription drug coverage in Canada is so complicated, there are many misunderstandings about how DAAs are covered, both among patients and providers. In fact, medication coverage for DAAs is so complicated, a key role of patient support programs created by manufacturers is helping patients figure out and apply for reimbursement approval. This has resulted in misconceptions about DAAs, many of which contribute to barriers to accessing care among people affected by hepatitis C, particularly for Indigenous people and people who use drugs.
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