Improving Hepatitis B Care in the US: A Case for a New "Ryan White" Program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Policy

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis B infection is prevalent in the U.S., but screening, vaccination, and treatment rates remain low among eligible individuals.
• The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program effectively provides essential care for socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with HIV.
• Similar disease and patient characteristics exist between chronic hepatitis B and HIV, suggesting a comparable need for targeted support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the expansion of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program to encompass the care of individuals with chronic hepatitis B.
• To highlight the potential of leveraging the existing Ryan White program infrastructure to address gaps in hepatitis B care.

Main Methods:

• This study proposes a policy-based approach, drawing parallels between the established Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and the unmet needs in chronic hepatitis B care.
• It analyzes the applicability of the Ryan White program's regulatory framework and service delivery model to hepatitis B management.

Main Results:

• The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program serves as a successful precedent for providing comprehensive care to vulnerable populations with chronic infections.
• Expanding the program offers a viable strategy to enhance access to screening, vaccination, and treatment for hepatitis B.

Conclusions:

• The current Ryan White HIV/AIDS program should be expanded to include chronic hepatitis B care under similar regulations.
• Policymakers should consider integrating chronic hepatitis B into the Ryan White Program, especially in light of evolving health insurance marketplaces.