California lawmakers have singled out the high price of Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), Gilead Sciences’ new drug to treat the hepatitis C virus (HCV), with a new bill that would limit out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs for insured patients, California Health Line reports. The bill would also require insurers to cover hepatitis C screenings.

California Assembly member Rich Gordon (D–Menlo Park) argues that the bill, titled AB 1917, would help make hep C treatment more affordable. But opponents of the law say they fear that the new wave of coverage mandates could swamp the health insurance industry, which would have to subsidize the new drug.

Currently, Sovaldi costs $1,000 per pill, or $84,000 for a full-course of treatment. Despite nearly constant criticism of the price since the drug came out in December 2013, Gilead maintains that the cost is fair because the drug boasts an unmatched ability to cure hepatitis C.

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