Questions at a state hearing for their refusing Harvoni

[mik1970]

Hello
I have a state hearing because I was denied Harvoni treatment. The reasons being that I was misdiagnosed with a problem that the NP stated was advanced when she
applied for Harvoni. The condition is only in the beginning stage. I think we should
just let this problem wait until I am done with the Harvoni treatment. I have had a tumor for over 30 yrs  they did tests and it came up cancer , the treatment will put a load on my liver. This is a weird type of cancer and if you were to get cancer and you had the option of picking one , this would be the one , mainly because it is in the state it's in right now , dormant with no cell mutations. I am perfectly
healthy, so why should we mess with it. Their reasoning is that the oncology Dr. says to operate. The general surgeon does not what to operated , he says its to
risky. I guess the hearing is for me to explain why we should do the Harvoni first.
I have at least a dozen facts and solid proof why we should not operate, they have
the oncology Dr. advise to operate.  I am afraid that because the Dr has been a Dr
for over 30 yrs they will simply take his advise. I might also add that the hospital
committee met and agreed with the oncology Dr. Mind you as it stands right now
if I don't have this operation ( the way they have it planned might be, 5 yrs ago
I refused to have it operating on) I can't get either treatments. In the back of my
mind I'm seeing $ signs and a slot machine , when it comes up all $ signs they win,
because it will cost them nothing.

Thx for reading
   

[Hillgill]

I was just notified that Support Path is no longer assisting patients who have insurance Ans I was denied. . So heartbreaking after years of other failed treatments. Any advice?

[lporterrn]

Ouch - I just saw a letter from Gilead stating their policy changes. I suggest any of the following:
1)Contact http://www.hepatitisc.pafcareline.org/
2) Contact Help4Hep  877‑Help‑4‑Hep (877‑435‑7443).

Hoping Merck will come out with a more patient-friendly product. I do know some who are using Viekira just because Harvoni is so hard to get.

[Bituman]

Why is this not a topic for a segment of 60 Minutes?  Better yet, why aren't the CEOs of the largest health insurance providers being called to testify before a congressional committee to describe their methodology used to "approve" patients for treatment?  I would really like it entered into the congressional record that one of those bozos said "patients need to be sicker...until then our strategy is to deny funding treatment to cause as much mental anguish as possible to sick people." 

Bob

[lporterrn]

Actually, some people in Congress have been looking in to it. Also, there are lawsuits, and quite a few journalists are reporting on this (Morgan Spurlock has also been investigating it.)

The question I have is, "Why is this happening in the first place?" I think we are so messed up in our attitudes about drug use, and hep C's association with drug use makes it easier for people to justify this horrendous disregard for human lives.

Call your senator, representative,  and state officials and express your opinions. It really helps.