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Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-1941| Senate 
| Updated: 6/4/2025
Bill Cassidy

Bill Cassidy

Republican Senator

Louisiana

Cosponsors (1)
Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025" aims to establish a comprehensive national program to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States. It mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a Hepatitis C Elimination Program within 90 days of enactment. This program will develop a national strategy and implementation plan, including specific goals, objectives, and performance metrics for prevention, detection, and treatment. An advisory committee and an interagency working group will support the program's development and evaluation. A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a subscription program for hepatitis C treatments. Under this model, the Secretary will enter into 5-year agreements with drug manufacturers to purchase unlimited quantities of direct-acting antiviral drugs for a fixed annual payment. These treatments will be provided without cost-sharing to specific covered populations . This innovative procurement method aims to ensure broad access to life-saving medication. The covered populations include individuals enrolled in participating State Medicaid or CHIP programs, those within State or local correctional systems, and individuals in Bureau of Prisons facilities. It also extends to individuals without minimum essential health coverage and those receiving care through Indian health programs. State and local correctional systems must opt-in and agree to provide continuous care, while the Bureau of Prisons and Indian Health Service are required to participate. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of other federal drug discount programs, like 340B, for treatments obtained through this subscription model. To support elimination efforts, the bill authorizes significant funding for public health activities. It provides grants and awards to States, political subdivisions, opioid treatment programs, community health centers, and Indian health programs. These funds will support outreach, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination for at-risk individuals. A national provider training network and a public awareness campaign are also mandated to enhance capacity and education. The legislation also addresses access to treatment within the Medicare program. For plan years 2027 through 2031, it eliminates deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing for direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C treatments under Medicare Part D. The bill appropriates a total of $9.783 billion for fiscal year 2025, available through fiscal year 2031, to fund the subscription program, public health activities, and program administration. Funds are restricted to U.S. citizens and specific categories of lawfully residing aliens.
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Timeline
Jun 4, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 4, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • June 4, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 4, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Health

Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-1941| Senate 
| Updated: 6/4/2025
The "Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025" aims to establish a comprehensive national program to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States. It mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a Hepatitis C Elimination Program within 90 days of enactment. This program will develop a national strategy and implementation plan, including specific goals, objectives, and performance metrics for prevention, detection, and treatment. An advisory committee and an interagency working group will support the program's development and evaluation. A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a subscription program for hepatitis C treatments. Under this model, the Secretary will enter into 5-year agreements with drug manufacturers to purchase unlimited quantities of direct-acting antiviral drugs for a fixed annual payment. These treatments will be provided without cost-sharing to specific covered populations . This innovative procurement method aims to ensure broad access to life-saving medication. The covered populations include individuals enrolled in participating State Medicaid or CHIP programs, those within State or local correctional systems, and individuals in Bureau of Prisons facilities. It also extends to individuals without minimum essential health coverage and those receiving care through Indian health programs. State and local correctional systems must opt-in and agree to provide continuous care, while the Bureau of Prisons and Indian Health Service are required to participate. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of other federal drug discount programs, like 340B, for treatments obtained through this subscription model. To support elimination efforts, the bill authorizes significant funding for public health activities. It provides grants and awards to States, political subdivisions, opioid treatment programs, community health centers, and Indian health programs. These funds will support outreach, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination for at-risk individuals. A national provider training network and a public awareness campaign are also mandated to enhance capacity and education. The legislation also addresses access to treatment within the Medicare program. For plan years 2027 through 2031, it eliminates deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing for direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C treatments under Medicare Part D. The bill appropriates a total of $9.783 billion for fiscal year 2025, available through fiscal year 2031, to fund the subscription program, public health activities, and program administration. Funds are restricted to U.S. citizens and specific categories of lawfully residing aliens.
View Full Text

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Timeline
Jun 4, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 4, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • June 4, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 4, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill Cassidy

Bill Cassidy

Republican Senator

Louisiana

Cosponsors (1)
Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Health

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted