According to a new report from actuarial firm Milliman, the $1,000-a-day cure for hep C is going to have a massive impact on Medicare Part D.
Sovaldi has insurers and consumers alike up in arms over its hefty price tag, with some payers refusing to cover the breakthrough drug—but right now it's the only game in town (although a rival is expected to hit the market later this year). The drug, according to patient advocate Angela Woody, has improved outcomes for patients at Mount Sinai Health System's liver clinic in New York City, but the battle to get insurance approval has been uphill.
"We have had to jump through a great deal of hoops," Woody said. "We have two patients who applied in January and did not actually go on the medication until April."
As patients continue to improve access to the drug through expanded coverage, here are six things you need to know about the growth and scope of the drug.