Baby Boomers account for three quarters of Hepatitis C infections and deaths, which is why the federal government says everyone in this generation needs a test.
The onetime Hepatitis C blood test is covered by most insurers, health officials say.
The CDC made the announcement this morning, moving the boomer generation into the "high risk" category of people who should get a test.
CDC officials define the boomers as people born between 1945 and 1965.
CDC director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden said the onetime testing could identify 800,000 more Americans with Hepatitis C and prevent liver cancer, liver disease and liver transplants.
While newly available treatments can cure the majority of people treated for Hepatitis C, most people don't seek medical care because they don't know they are infected.
People are also reading…
More information is available on the CDC's No More Hepatitis campaign website.
Most insurers cover the Hepatitis C blood test.
Uninsured and underinsured Arizonans can go to the following resources to get a test:
• All citizens can access sliding fee scale based services through their local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) –( http://www.aachc.org/ put in your home zip code at the top of the page to locate an FQHC near you. )
•Medicare eligible seniors can access testing as part of their routine care.
•There are several private providers, and urgent care centers, or walk in clinic such as Walgreens, CVS, and private health care providers such as Fit Health Care in Central Phoenix, MB Best Medical in the west valley that are offering reasonably priced Hepatitis C testing for boomers.
•Pricing ranges from approximately $30 to $150.
