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

BMC Health Services Research

卷:19

Masoud Behzadifar¹  Aziz Rezapour²  Hasan Abolghasem Gorji²  Nicola Luigi Bragazzi³  Meysam Behzadifar⁴ 

[1] Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences;

[2] Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences;

[3] School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa;

[4] Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences;

关键词: Hepatitis C virus;    Treatment;    Insurance;    Policy;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12913-019-3869-8

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

Unknown