because if you get cyrhossis, that's it. i'm not ready to die. >> reporter: treatment for other unremitted health-- related health problems, she asked her doctor about a new hepatitis c drug she saw on tv >> he explained it's the latest thing and everyone is using it and it can treat you from eight to 12 weeks >> reporter: it's a cure? >> it is aa cure. no remission about it. it is a cure. i got excited about it >> reporter: what did you think about this drug? >> i thought that i want it now. i want it now. >> reporter: before you get sicker. >> yes. >> reporter: parvone and a related drug from the same drug maker. silvadi, have proven to be much more effective, with cure rates well over 90% in three months of treatment or less. the cost of the cure is nearly $100,000 per patient >> it is very expensive. even if there is a cut rate discount, it is still very expensive. >> reporter: this man is her doctor. like most of his low-income patients at the john bell health center, her health care is covered by state-funded medicaid.