Increasing access to treatments for hepatitis C in the Medicare program

(a) In general Section 1860D–2 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–102(b)) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking and (9) and inserting, (9), and (10); (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking and (9) and inserting, (9), and (10); and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (10) Elimination of cost-sharing for direct acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis c (A) In general For plan years 2028 through 2032, subject to subparagraph (B), with respect to a covered part D drug that is a direct acting antiviral for the treatment of hepatitis C— (i) the deductible under paragraph (1) shall not apply; and (ii) there shall be no coinsurance or other cost-sharing under this part with respect to such drug. (B) Authority to delay implementation If the Secretary determines that it is not feasible to implement subparagraph (A) for plan year 2028, subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting 2029 for 2028.; and (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) Treatment of cost-sharing for direct acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis c The coverage is provided in accordance with subsection (b)(10).. (b) Conforming amendments to cost-Sharing for low-Income individuals Section 1860D–14(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–114(a)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(D), in each of clauses (ii) and (iii), by striking paragraph (6) and inserting paragraphs (6) and (7); and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) No application of cost-sharing or deductible for direct acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis c (A) In general For plan years 2028 through 2032, subject to subparagraph (B), with respect to a covered part D drug that is a direct acting antiviral for the treatment of hepatitis C— (i) the deductible under section 1860D–2(b)(1) shall not apply; and (ii) there shall be no cost-sharing under this section with respect to such drug. (B) Authority to delay implementation If the Secretary determines that it is not feasible to implement subparagraph (A) for plan year 2028, subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting 2029 for 2028..