Addressing the Hepatitis C crisis: A collaborative effort to improve care in Ohio
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant public health challenge, with the new infections rate in 2022 at 2.7 cases per 100,000 individuals compared to a rate of 1.6 in 2013.1 Despite this increase, only 23% of people with Medicaid receive timely treatment for HCV.2 Committed to improving treatment for HCV patients, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio and the Community & State National Clinical Strategy team are collaborating with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) to increase the number of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) with provider champions who can clinically treat HCV during primary care visits.
In 2023, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio invested $115,000 into OACHC to develop and implement physician champion training for the treatment of HCV within the community health center setting. A comprehensive training playbook was created and used by five participating clinics including Asian Services in Action (ASIA), Muskingum Valley Health Centers, Signature Health, Southeast Healthcare and Equitas Health. Additionally, $75,000 of the funds were sub-granted to these community health centers to further support their efforts.
The OACHC playbook is a compilation of resources for screening, treating and curing HCV, specifically designed for providers working in FQHCs with patients at the highest risk for HCV. This resource equips Ohio FQHC providers and other clinical staff with the necessary background knowledge, protocols and training resources to initiate HCV treatment effectively.
The impact of this project has been substantial. The five clinics participating in the initiative increased the number of providers treating HCV from zero to 37. Six months after the collaboration's launch, 39% of patients from these clinics had received an HCV lifetime screen, 86% of patients with HCV were connected to care, 67% had initiated treatment and 92% of those who completed treatment were cured of HCV.
The success of this initiative has led to organic sharing of the OACHC playbook, with 15 additional Ohio clinics adopting these resources. This project has additionally driven improvements in health equity, as the participating clinics collectively serve and specialize in health care services for urban BIPOC, Appalachian, LGBTQ+ and Asian populations.
Looking ahead, the priorities for 2024 include funding five additional clinics in Ohio and expanding the project into Tennessee and Washington state. This project aims to continuously increase treatment and cure rates.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio’s investment in this project underscores its dedication to improving timely treatment for HCV patients, highlighting a commitment to improving public health outcomes and reducing disparities in care. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, the goal is to ensure that more individuals receive the treatment they need to lead healthier lives.
