Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson leads historic bill to fight Hepatitis C

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-10) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026 that builds a nationwide, federally coordinated “test-to-treat” elimination program for hepatitis C (HVC). The bill is supported by more than 100 public health and education organizations and is the House companion to the Cure Hepatitis C Act introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). 

“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. 

“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 Rep. 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.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scored the bill saving $6.6 billion over the next decade.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver swelling and inflammation. It can lead to serious liver damage, even death if untreated. It affects millions of Americans each year. More than half of untreated infections progress to chronic hepatitis C, which can cause life-threatening conditions. Hepatitis A and B pose similar risks but have preventative vaccines that considerably decrease their impact. Hepatitis C requires post-diagnostic treatment that can be difficult to attain. People covered under Medicaid were 46 percent less likely to receive treatment than those with private insurance, and only 1 of 3 of those with insurance received timely treatment. 

The Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026 would ensure that every American has timely access to screening, vaccination services, and linkage to care to address hepatitis through the following provisions: 

— Establishing a dedicated HCV Elimination Program and national strategy; 
Creating a subscription-based drug procurement program to supply curative antiviral treatments at scale;

— Expanding access to treatment for underserved, high-risk, uninsured, tribal, correctional, and vulnerable populations;

— Funding a broad expansion of screening, diagnostics, outreach, public health infrastructure, provider training, and wrap-around services;

— Removing or reducing financial and administrative barriers (cost-sharing, prior authorization) for patients;

— Building accountability and transparency via required reporting, public dashboards, and multi-stakeholder oversight. 

Under the legislation, the program creates a subscription-based drug procurement program to supply curative antiviral treatments at scale, to provide cost-sharing-free care for vulnerable patients. This includes people enrolled in public healthcare programs, those confined in correctional or prison facilities with incomplete treatment, uninsured individuals, and people receiving healthcare through an Indian health program. 

SUPPORTING GROUPS: More than 100 organizations including University of Iowa College of Public Health, Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), American Pharmacists Association, American Cancer Society, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Dental Association, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Liver Foundation. 

WHAT THE GROUPS ARE SAYING:

“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.”

The Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, co-chaired by Congressman Johnson, is committed to supporting hepatitis patients. Most recently, the Caucus sent a letter arguing for the Hepatitis B birth dosage to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., warning of the consequences for public health, particularly in the fight against liver disease and cancer.