Context
Most people in the United States infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) were born from 1945 through 1965 and are undiagnosed. Because complications of hepatitis C increase with time, its burden is now rapidly increasing.
Contribution
In simulated models, an approach of 1-time screening for hepatitis C in this birth cohort followed by treatment was cost-effective.
Caution
Data on the real-world effectiveness of newer drugs for hepatitis C are extremely limited.
Implication
A change from solely risk-based screening for hepatitis C to 1-time screening of all persons born from 1945 through 1965 should be considered.