Hep C outreach initiative for Medicaid members

06/15/2022

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched a We Treat Hep C initiative in an effort to eliminate Hepatitis C in Michigan by expanding testing and access to treatment.

What’s happening

Priority Health will begin outreach to Medicaid members to increase HCV screening, coordinate with members and their providers to initiate treatment and educate them on medication adherence.

Why are we doing this?

We want to ensure members have access to the care they need and assist in removing potential barriers to treatment. Further, the Hep C initiative is a new requirement for Medicaid health plans in Michigan.

Why is this important to providers?

Previous to April 1, providers were limited in prescribing treatment or medication due to authorization requirements by a specialist. By increasing treatment and educating members on treatment options and medication adherence, they can help reduce individuals with HCV going untreated and aid in eliminating Hep C in Michigan.
We’ve updated the Provider Manual Medicaid benefits with a link to We Treat Hep C on Michigan.gov.

What providers need to know

The CDC recommends all adults be screened for HCV once in their lifetime and pregnant women during each pregnancy. Effective April 1, 2021, the antiviral MAVYRET^® no longer requires prior authorization which now allows any providers with prescriptive authority the ability to prescribe Hepatitis C treatment to patients with HCV. We encourage all providers to become familiar with the Hep C initiative and the MDHHS resources We Treat Hep C.

Impact to members

This change allows easier access to treatment for Medicaid members and helps reduce potential long-term complications from HCV.