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Petition to Re-Add Vemlidy to Optum's Health Insurance Plan
We recently learned that Optum has decided to remove Vemlidy as a covered medication for treating chronic hepatitis B from its health insurance plan.
Chronic hepatitis B is a serious disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. Thousands of Americans living with hepatitis B rely on Vemlidy and don't have the opportunity to switch in the middle of the year to a different insurance plan that does cover the drug. For many people, Vemlidy is the best (or only) treatment option, as many risk bone density loss and kidney damage from other FDA approved medications for hepatitis B.
Additionally, an abrupt medication change such as this can disrupt therapy and risk a damaging viral flare. Non-medical drug switching is also shown to have negative effects on medical costs as well as long-term clinical care.
Healthcare providers know best what medication their hepatitis B patient needs – and should have all current, front-line treatments available to prescribe.
Questions? Contact us at Contact Email
Your name and comments (if provided) will be attached to the sign-on letter we are sending to Optum. For advocacy updates and more, be sure to follow Hep B United on social media and check out www.hepbunited.org/advocacy.