[WSJ] Will ‘Son of Sovaldi’ Cause State Medicaid Programs to Erect High Hurdles?

How might state Medicaid programs cope with a new and equally expensive hepatitis C treatment from Gilead Sciences GILD -4.20%? A new report released just as the FDA late last week approved Harvoni, which will cost $94,500 for a 12-week regimen, may offer some insights, at least according to a trade group for the state programs.

Sovaldi, you may recall, costs $1,000 a pill, or $84,000, for a 12-week regimen and the price tag has become a flash point in the national debate over the rising cost of prescription medicines. State Medicaid programs and pharmacy benefit managers call the drug a budget buster.

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