Medicaid and Hep C Medication

[Jazmine6]

Hi.  I am new here and have always been a reader of the forums.  Everyone always has great information to offer.  I have my first appointment on the 14th of April to see a doctor about my Hep C.  My only insurance is medicaid and I'm concerned that being on state insurance they will want me to take the less expensive medication with harsher side effects. Can anyone help me with this?  I just want to know what I can say when I go in and if I still have the option to ask for one of the newer medications being on  low income insurance.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Also is there a place on the forums or on the web where I can be referred to a good doctor in my state if I need to search out a different doctor?

[Dee1956]

Hi I don't know which state you are in but I have been researching this information and have found that 25 states recently signed an agreement to use Harvoni and the AbbieV drug which I can never spell write Viekra
Anyway, the states are coming around and I think it will help people that desperately need tx.
I will try to find the list, I had it here a few days ago.
Take Care
Dee

[dontworry_behappy1]

I found that I gave a link that didn't work.  Here is something better.

http://www.ctdssmap.com/CTPortal/PharmacyInformation/tabid/65/Default.aspx

I see that Sovaldi can be requested for approval.  Click on the Pharmacy
bottle on the right of the website.   There is a request for Sovaldi for approval.

[dontworry_behappy1]

Here is a link that show the Jan. 2015 list of Medicaid Drugs.  I believe these are the approved drugs you can take.  Interesting that one of the approved drugs (Incivek) was taken of the market.  If you have "Cirrhosis" the rules for treatment drug approvals may be extended beyond this approved drug list.

Otherwise, you should see your doctor and know the current condition of your liver.   This is very important when it comes to Hepatitis C.  That determination can reveal if you can wait for better treatment.

/www.ctdssmap.com/CTPortal/Portals/0/StaticContent/Publications/CT_PDL_medicaid.pdf

Hope this is helpful
  

[AWorriedMom]

Jazmine, every State has their own Medicaid rules and regulations. Both Harvoni and Viekira Pak are wonderful treatments with excellent success rates and minimal side effects. Most people do not have significant trouble with ribavirin without interferon. Most States have barriers to treatment for Medicaid patients. I think the most likely denial is for people who do not have significant liver damage. Your doctor may know which treatment is preferred in your State and whether you will be denied or approved to treat now. Wishing you the best of luck and I hope you can treat and so it with the medication you prefer.