The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is considering providing free screening for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) to all adults, according to AIDS.gov. The decision will ultimately be made via a National Coverage Determination (NCD) process, which allows the U.S. government to grant coverage of “additional preventive services” if the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends it with either a grade A or grade B rating. In 2013, USPSTF issued a grade B recommendation for one-time hep C screening in baby boomers—those born between 1945 and 1965—but it is considering expanding hep C testing across the country. CMS will accept public comments on its website about the potential plan until October 5 and is particularly interested in comments that include clinical studies and provide evidence for improving long-term hepatitis outcomes.

To read the AIDS.gov blog post, click here.

For instructions on submitting public comments to CMS, click here.