Senators Introduce Federal Legislation to Eliminate Hepatitis C

Senators Introduce Federal Legislation to Eliminate Hepatitis C

On June 4, 2025, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national Hep C elimination program. The legislation would allow states and local entities to apply for funding to expand access to Hep C testing and treatment and strengthen hepatitis-related infrastructure. It would support expanding access to point-of-care Hep B and C diagnostics and innovative care delivery models for populations in need of treatment. Based in part on the Louisiana Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, the legislation would use a subscription-based procurement model to make lower cost Hep C treatment widely available by authorizing the HHS Secretary to enter into agreements with one or more drug companies to provide treatments for distribution at pharmacies, state and local correctional systems, and the Indian Health Service. Last June, the Congressional Budget Office released a report showing long-term federal cost savings related to policies designed to increase Hep C treatment rates. Senator Cassidy’s press release on the bill is here, and the bill text is here.

Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by HepFree NYC