Baby Boomers Urged to Get Hepatitis C Test

New national project makes hepatitis C testing more discrete, affordable and convenient

The Centers for Disease Control warns that 1 in 30 baby boomers (people born between 1945 and 1965) have been infected with the hepatitis C virus. Because many in this age group were infected decades ago and may not know it, CDC is urging them to get a one-time hepatitis C test today.

HealthPro, a national nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce a new project to help baby boomers privately learn their hepatitis C status.  "Helping Expand Access to Lab Testing for Hepatitis C" (HEALTH-C) is a collaboration between HealthPro, The Support Partnership, and PersonaLabs.  HEALTH-C's goal is to make hepatitis C testing affordable, private, and convenient. Services  include education and counseling both before and after the test, and referral to care for people with confirmed hepatitis C infection. 

Chronic hepatitis C can cause serious liver disease and liver cancer, which is now the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Just one test of all the members of this generation may identify 800,000 people who have been infected with hepatitis C, preventing liver cancer and perhaps saving 120,000 lives.  More...

Have You Been Tested for Hepatitis C Before?

• "I have a comprehensive physical exam each year." 

  • In the past, hepatitis C screening was ordered only when a patient showed signs of liver problems or if the doctor suspected a history of exposure to infected blood. It is common for adults in this age group to believe they were already tested as part of their annual physical.

  • This is often not the case. Ask your doctor if a Hepatitis C Antibody test was done.

• "I donate blood and/or plasma regularly."

  • U.S. blood banks began testing donors for hepatitis C in the early 1990s.

  • You would have been notified by mail by the blood bank or plasma collection center if you had signs of hepatitis C infection. If you are a donor in good standing with the blood bank, you do not need to get tested.

• "I was told that I have hepatitis C but I'm not sure what tests were done. I never followed up with a specialist." 

  • You may have tested reactive (positive) on the initial screening test but this doesn't mean that you "have" hepatitis C. A follow-up test is needed to find out if the virus is still in your blood.

  • You do not need to visit a specialist's office to get this test. Your primary care doctor can order it for you or you can request it through this program. This CDC Fact Sheet explains the two different tests used.

Getting Screened for HepC: Challenges & Concerns

• "I am concerned about having a test like this documented in my permanent medical records."

  • This is a valid concern particularly for baby boomers who are either seeking health insurance coverage, or may becomee temporarily uninsured post-retirement / pre-Medicare. 

  • HEALTH-C offers an option for you to get tested independently, giving you control over when and with whom to share the results.

• "I heard that hepatitis C treatment is expensive and has side effects. Since I'm not going to get treated, I decided not to get tested at all."

  • There are many reasons (other than treatment) to learn your status. If you have chronic hepatitis C you need to: be evaluated for liver damage and your cancer risk, get vaccinated to prevent infection from other types of viral hepatitis, quit or significantly reduce alcohol intake, and take care using both over-the-counter and prescription medications.

  • These changes alone may slow the progression of disease and prolong your life.  

The Follow-Up Blood Test: Challenges & Concerns

• "I pay out-of-pocket for my medical expenses and can't afford an expensive blood test."

  • Depending on the lab, the cost for the follow-up test (which is called "Hepatitis C RNA by PCR") may range from $240 to more than $500.

  • HEALTH-C offers this test for $180.

• "I feel fine (or my doctor told me not to worry) years ago, so I made this a low priority."

  • Many people with chronic hepatitis C have no symptoms and may have liver blood tests that are within normal limits.... even though they have progressive liver disease. This virus takes two to three decades to damage the liver. Baby boomers who were infected when they were young adults are at risk of liver-related disease or liver cancer today.

  • Because of this, the CDC now is urging baby boomers to find out and confirm their hepatitis C status and if currently infected, seek the care of a specialist physician.

This project was made possible with the support of

Need to Know:

A doctor's order for lab testing is included in the price of the test. You do not need a separate doctor visit.  The prices below are after HealthPro's special discount.

Initial Screening Test:

Hepatitis C Antibody

$42.50

If your Hepatitis C Antibody test result is "reactive" (positive), a second blood test is needed to find out if you currently have the hepatitis C virus in your blood and if so, which strain (or genotype) you have. More...

Follow-Up Test Options:

Hepatitis C RNA by PCR with Genotype

$180.00

The Testing Process

1. Call toll-free and speak with a counselor at 877-HELP-4-HEP to learn about hepatitis C testing

2. Order and pay for your test online* using the special discount code that the counselor gives you

3. Print and bring the lab order to 1 of 1,600 blood draw locations (not available in MD, MA, NJ, NY or RI). Get your blood test.

4. Get a discreet email when your test result arrives

5. Go online to your secure personal health record and print your test result

6. If you test positive or have questions about your lab result, call 877-HELP-4-HEP for support, counseling, and referral to care

Take the First Step!

Call 877-HELP-4-HEP (877-435-7443)

Helpline Hours

Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm EST.

All calls are confidential

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* HealthPro can help people who don't have access to the Internet. Call 877-HELP-4-HEP (877-435-7443) for more information.

** HEALTH-C lab testing is low-cost, not free. Payment by PayPal, credit or debit card (prepaid cards accepted) is required.  Prices are effective as of 8/17/2012 and are subject to change.  

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Last Updated 08.30.2012