INSURANCE

Q: I am a baby boomer and was pretty reckless in my teens and 20’s. I’ve recently come to the realization that I may have been exposed to Hepatitis C in my youth. Do you think that Medicare would pick up the cost to get this checked out? A: It’s a shocking fact: While anyone can get Hepatitis C, 75% of adults infected with it today are baby boomers, people born between 1945 and 1965. Most boomers with Hep C are believed to have become infected in the 1970s and 1980s when rates of Hepatitis C were the highest. They have been unknowingly living with this infection ever since.

The Center for Disease Control recommends screening for Hepatitis C for everyone born between 1945 and 1965. Also at risk are those who had a blood transfusion before 1992 when widespread screening of the blood supply and universal precautions were adopted. Other risk factors for Hep C include getting an unregulated tattoo and exposure to blood through healthcare work or injection drug use.

According to the Center for Disease Control, people with Hepatitis C often don’t have symptoms and can live with an infection for decades without feeling sick. However, over time, chronic Hepatitis C left untreated can cause serious health problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death. Screenings and early diagnosis are critical to people receiving lifesaving care and treatment.

Screening for Hepatitis C is covered by Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans and Affordable Care Plans as long as the test is ordered by a primary care doctor and you meet one of the following risk factors: • Those born between 1945 and 1965. • Those at high risk because they’ve had a blood transfusion before 1992.

• Those at high risk because they have a current or past history of illicit injection drug use.

You will pay nothing for the screening test. Annual repeat screenings may also be approved for people determined to be at high risk.

Everyone at risk should talk to their doctor about getting screened. If you get tested and it’s determined you have Hepatitis C, your doctor can monitor your liver functions and help you decide what course of treatment is right for you.

If you would like more information on the individual, group health insurance plans or Medicare Advantage Plans give me call at 440-255-5700 or email me your question at Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com. I’m here to help.