The role of insurance providers in supporting treatment and management of hepatitis C patients

Abstract

Today, one of the most important global public health challenges is represented by hepatitis C virus (HCV), which imposes relevant costs. Globally speaking, the median cost of HCV-related complications ranges from $280 for an uncomplicated hepatitis to $139,070 for a liver transplantation. There are effective therapies for HCV patients worldwide, which has increased the hope of improving the process of managing and curing these patients. The adherence of patients to the pharmacological treatment and the use of effective drugs in the management of HCV disease are of crucial importance for health policy- and decision-makers. Studies show that, globally, insurance coverage for patients with HCV is not adequate in that still many patients are not covered by insurance programs. This issue as well as the economic conditions of countries are very serious challenges for ensuring an effective treatment. The most important and greatest help currently available to ensure HCV treatment is to implement plans to reduce costs and support patients. Some studies have shown that the expansion of coverage by private payers seems able to generate positive spillover benefits to public insures. Insurers, in addition to maintaining and increasing their own interests, are trying to increase their social status as a sponsor of patients. In conclusion, HCV disease requires serious policies and affordable insurance coverage.

Predicting Treatment Failure for Initiators of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in the era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy

“…This may partially explain why our results indicate that private insurance is a strong predictor of treatment failure. Though many United States states have eased prescribing restrictions in recent years possibly in response to decreases in HCV therapy prices (AASLD and IDSA HCV Guidance Panel, 2020), the health and economic impacts associated with HCV treatment restrictions enforced by insurers, particularly commercial insurers, should continue to be investigated as HCV elimination goals are pursued (Chidi et al, 2016;Behzadifar et al, 2019;Goodyear et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2020;Price, 2020;Saeed et al, 2020). Prior studies have attempted to identify significant predictors of treatment failure (Ferenci, 2004;Ochi et al, 2012;Beinhardt et al, 2013;Petta and Craxi, 2013;Andriulli et al, 2014;Ansaldi et al, 2014;Mathes et al, 2014;Thompson et al, 2014;Backus et al, 2016;Jansen et al, 2017;Su et al, 2017;Kouris et al, 2018).…”

“…Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment offers HCV cure rates of over 95% ( Burstow et al, 2017 ; Kish et al, 2017 ). However, the high cost of DAA therapy coupled with the large number of patients eligible for treatment could significantly impact payer budgets ( Brennan and Shrank, 2014 ; Chhatwal et al, 2015a ).…”

Hepatic pathological features in naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C who have developed thyroid disorder

“…All this can improve significantly after liver transplantation [ 12 , 13 ]. Through the extrahepatic manifestations of the disease, CHC contributes to the elevation of the morbidity and the hospitalization cost, developing economic pressure on health insurance systems [ 14 ]. Thyroid disorder (TD) is considered one of the most common endocrine disorders in association with HCV infection [ 15 ].…”

“…Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can occur during HCV infection. Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a common TD in patients with HCV infection [ 14 ].…”