Trends in Utilization and Costs Following a Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative

What are the trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, diagnosis, treatment, and cost before and following implementation of a statewide HCV elimination initiative?This case series analysis of state claims data for more than 21 million unique individuals found that the number of HCV tests per month in Washington increased substantially 1 year after implementation, with prevalence increasing from 2017 to 2021 before declining significantly during 2022. Total costs for care increased from 2017 through 2019, consistent with higher prevalence during this period, but declined after mid-2020, even when prevalence was increasing.These findings suggest that expanded screening and access to treatment may decrease costs of HCV care over time.

Corresponding Author: Pamela Kohler, PhD, Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 357263, Seattle, WA 98195 (pkohler2@uw.edu).

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