Improving access to hepatitis C treatment in the community

In 2023 hepatitis C treatment was reclassified from prescription-only to an exemption from prescription when managed by nurses and pharmacists under certain conditions. This reclassification enables a novel collaborative nurse-pharmacist model for treatment of hepatitis C in the community. Refer to reclassification of hepatitis C treatment for further details.

Reclassification of hepatitis C treatment – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Work and Income New Zealand provides support to improve access to hepatitis C treatments in the community for eligible clients via a Special Needs Grant.

This involves funding hepatitis C treatment for eligible clients which may include prisoners who have been released from prison having already started hepatitis C treatment.

People seeking hepatitis C treatment in the community (from their GP) who would qualify for a community service card (low income and beneficiaries) may be eligible for a Special Needs Grant to cover the costs of transport (if required), prescription costs, and up to 3 or 4 doctor visits (as required).

To access this financial support, clients need to make an appointment with the local Work and Income Service Centre to check their eligibility.

Refer to the Work and Income website for more information.

The Community Services Card has been set up to help people and their families with the costs of health care. It can reduce the cost of visits to their regular general practice for cardholders and their dependants.

For more information refer to Community Services Card - Health New Zealand.