Syringe service programs, medications for opioid use disorder, and their combined use showed cost-savings in reducing cases of hepatitis C among individuals who inject drugs.

Background

Over half of individuals who inject drugs have hepatitis C virus (HCV). There are different interventions that can reduce transmission of HCV, such as syringe service programs (SSPs) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of implementing one or both interventions on preventing HCV cases.

About this Tool

Previous studies on SSPs and MOUD were used to create a model to compare cost-effectiveness of SSP, MOUD, and combined SSP and MOUD implementation versus a control group. All harm reduction strategies yielded savings, but SSP, implemented either alone or along with MOUD, yielded significantly higher cost savings than MOUD alone. Health care payer cost savings per avoided HCV case exceeded $300,000, with the combined SSP and MOUD group exceeding $360,000.

Program/Policy Takeaways

Harm reduction strategies like SSPs and MOUD can be cost-effective in preventing HCV among individuals who are injection drug users. Providers and payers can use the insights of this study to understand the impact of SSPs and MOUD on HCV cases, which may translate to other conditions associated with injection drug use.