New York is the first state to mandate offering Hepatitis C testing to baby boomers after Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation. The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-New City), requires health care providers as of January 1, 2014 to offer a one time Hepatitis C screening test to people born between 1945 and 1965.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated in 2012 that the target group, baby boomers, could have as many as 800,000 undiagnosed cases. The CDC also said that one out of 30 baby boomers could have Hepatitis C and as many as 75 percent are unaware they are infected.
“New York is setting an example for responsible and proactive Hepatitis C policy,” Zebrowski said today. “The unique asymptomatic nature of this disease requires an aggressive approach to expanded testing to those with the highest risk.
Find out what's happening in New Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In 2007, Hepatitis C complications resulted in 15,000 deaths, more than the 12,700 deaths resulting from complications of HIV. An estimated 3.5 to 5.3 million Americans are currently infected with Hepatitis C and the majority shows no symptoms.
Since the passage of the legislation, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has changed the baby boomer testing recommendation from a grade C to B, ensuring that future healthcare insurance plans will cover the cost of testing. The Center for Medicare Services started a proceeding, which is the first step in providing Hepatitis C testing coverage.
Find out what's happening in New Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“This law will finally give Hepatitis C the attention it needs and deserves,” Zebrowski said.
Related articles -----
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
