Hepatitis C Antibody Screening Among Baby Boomers by a Community-Based Health Insurance Company

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common bloodborne illness in the U.S.
• Baby boomers (born 1945-1965) represent 75% of chronic HCV cases.
• National policy aims to identify, treat, and eliminate HCV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if a 6-week community-based intervention could boost HCV antibody screening uptake.
• Targeted the high-risk baby boomer cohort (born 1945-1965).

Main Methods:

• A 6-week campaign (Nov 14 - Dec 31, 2018) by Sendero Health Plans.
• Intervention included outreach, education, and a gift card incentive for screening.
• Eligible participants were insured baby boomers without prior HCV screening.

Main Results:

• Eligible baby boomers were 3.36 times more likely to be screened in 2018 than in 2017.
• The intervention demonstrated a statistically significant increase in screening (PR=3.36, P<0.0001).
• 5287 individuals were eligible for the campaign.

Conclusions:

• A combined outreach, education, and incentive strategy effectively increased HCV antibody screening.
• This approach successfully engaged the high-risk baby boomer population.
• Community-based interventions are vital for achieving national HCV elimination goals.