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PASADENA, FL (WFLA) — The FDA has approved several new cures for people fighting chronic diseases, but the problem is, many people can’t afford the drugs and insurance companies will cover only the sickest patients.
That includes a drug now on the market for people with Hepatitis C called Harvoni — a pill that patients take for 8 to 12 weeks.
Wendy Latorre, of Pasadena, says when she heard about the drugs she was extremely hopeful. “And then I found out what the cost was, most people do about 12 weeks and it’s about $120,000,” she said.
Even with insurance coverage, Latorre’ s co-pay of $6,000 a month, made the drug out of reach, until Latorre found a hidden link for a coupon on Harvoni’s official website.
She entered her first and last name, date of birth, and zip code and then came surprise call from her insurance company.
“Five dollars for all eight weeks of treatment. It’s like my lucky day, it’s like I hit the lottery,” said LaTorre.
After her first round of treatments, Latorre’s initial blood test results are back. “My doctors office called and said we have a birthday present for you, and I said what? And they said you have undetectable viral loads. I burst out crying, because this is something that always hangs over your head,” said LaTorre.
Of course, not every Hepatitis patient is a candidate for Harvoni, but LaTorre wanted to share her discovery with others dealing with the chronic disease.