Lawsuits claim insurers unfairly refuse pricey HCV drugs

Hepatitis C virus affects 3.5 million Americans, but many insurers refuse to pay for newer, highly effective drugs. Treatment with ledipasvir–sofosbuvir (Harvoni—Gilead Sciences), for instance, costs about $95,000 for a 12-week course. A consumer in Washington state has sued Group Health Cooperative for denying the combination drug, asserting that it is limited to people with more severe infections.