Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Support the Elimination of Hepatitis C In the United States
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2025
CONTACT: Kyle Taylor, Director, Communications, NASTAD
Washington, DC – On June 4, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, to support the elimination of hepatitis C in the United States. The legislation would expand access to testing and treatment, strengthen public health infrastructure, and reach at-need populations through innovative care delivery models. NASTAD worked closely with community and Congressional partners to draft the bill and reach introduction.
Notably, the legislation would implement a purchasing model to reduce costs and increase access to hepatitis C medications. This includes a subscription program that would include agreements with one or more drug manufacturers for the purchase of hepatitis C treatment distribution among registered pharmacies and registered sites of dispensing, participating state and local correctional systems, the Bureau of Prisons, and facilities of the Indian Health Service. In addition, the bill includes provisions aimed at addressing hepatitis B – including support for a point-of-care test and linkage to care. The legislation includes funding provisions for state and local health departments and would also empower state and local public health systems, community health centers, opioid treatment programs, and correctional facilities to build lasting infrastructure, scale up existing prevention programs, and integrate hepatitis C services into their work.
“The time is now to invest in and prioritize viral hepatitis prevention, care, and treatment resources and services,” said Dr. Stephen Lee, Executive Director of NASTAD. “NASTAD is committed to advocating for legislation that will support the expansion of quality health care for all.”
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About NASTAD Founded in 1992, NASTAD is a leading non-partisan non-profit association that represents public health officials who administer HIV and hepatitis programs in the U.S. Our singular mission is to end the intersecting epidemics of HIV, viral hepatitis, and related conditions. We do this work by strengthening governmental public health through advocacy, capacity building, and social justice.