Dr. Miller-Meeks Leads Bipartisan Effort to Eliminate Hepatitis C in America

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) introduced the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026, landmark bipartisan legislation to build a nationwide, federally coordinated effort to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in the United States. She is leading the bill alongside Reps. Diana DeGette (CO), Hank Johnson (GA), and Don Bacon (NE), with a companion measure led in the Senate by Sens. Bill Cassidy, M.D. and Chris Van Hollen.

Hepatitis C is a curable disease, yet it continues to claim American lives every year because too many people are never diagnosed or never gain access to the treatments that could save them. This legislation takes a comprehensive "test-to-treat" approach to change that, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates it would save taxpayers $6.6 billion.

"As a physician, I have seen what happens when a curable disease goes untreated simply because a patient couldn't access care," said Dr. Miller-Meeks. "Hepatitis C is beatable. We have the tools to eliminate it, and this bill puts them within reach of the Americans who need them most. This is a commonsense, fiscally responsible effort that will save lives and save taxpayer dollars. I am proud to lead it alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle."

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of biomedical researchers and innovators, Hepatitis C is curable. Yet far too many people remain undiagnosed or unable to access treatment, and dozens die from the disease every day,” said DeGette. “This is simply unacceptable. We have the tools to stop this epidemic and curb the human and financial costs of this disease going untreated. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on legislation that will have the greatest positive impact to public health this Congress.”

“I am asking that we work together to raise awareness about hepatitis C – a silent killer – so that others at risk can get tested and treated,” said Rep. Johnson. After his own diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis C, the Congressman became a national advocate for access to treatment and destigmatization. 

The Cure Hepatitis C Act would:

• Establish a national Hepatitis C Elimination Program at the Department of Health and Human Services, with a clear strategy, performance metrics, a public dashboard, and accountability to Congress.
• Create a subscription-based drug procurement program to purchase curative antiviral treatments at scale and provide them to covered patients without cost-sharing, delivering treatment to underserved, uninsured, tribal, and correctional populations.
• Expand screening, diagnostics, and outreach through grants to states, community health centers, tribal health programs, correctional facilities, and other providers on the front lines.
• Remove financial and administrative barriers by eliminating cost-sharing and prohibiting prior authorization for hepatitis C treatment, including for seniors under Medicare Part D.
• Build the public health infrastructure needed to sustain elimination, including provider training networks, point-of-care testing, and a national public awareness campaign.

WHAT THE GROUPS ARE SAYING

The legislation is supported by more than 100 organizations, including the University of Iowa College of Public Health, the American Cancer Society, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Liver Foundation, and the American Gastroenterological Association.

“This legislation represents a rare opportunity to improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health care costs,” said Tim Leshan, Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer at Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). “We commend Representatives Miller-Meeks, DeGette, and Johnson for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to ending hepatitis C in the United States. By investing in testing, treatment, and coordinated public health efforts today, Congress can prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation tomorrow while also strengthening our nation's public health infrastructure.”

Dr. Miller-Meeks, a physician and former Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, has made lowering health care costs and expanding access to care a cornerstone of her work in Congress.

For the full bill text, click HERE.

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