HIV prevention saves over $250,000 over lifetime
By Andrew M. Seaman (Reuters Health) – Preventing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in one person living in the U.S. saves more than $250,000 over their remaining lifetime, according to a new analysis. Based on estimates of lifespan and medical costs from age 35 onward, researchers found that avoiding infection with the virus that causes AIDS saves from $229,800 to $338,400, depending on the amount of care a person receives. Bruce Shackman, who led the study, said the savings may be even greater once non-medical costs are taken into account, including a person’s reduced productivity due to the infection. “There are a lot of cost savings by avoiding HIV infections that weren’t included,” said Shackman, who is a professor of psychiatry and public health at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
