OBJECTIVES: The standard of care for hepatitis C (ribavirin and peginterferon) has been found to be associated with an increased risk of anemia.  The objective of this study was to investigate the effect anemia has on health status and work productivity among patients currently treated for hepatitis C.  METHODS: Data from the 2011 U.S. National Health and Wellness Surveys were used. Among respondents who were currently or had formerly been treated for hepatitis C, those with and without a diagnosis of anemia were compared on health status (using the SF-12v2) and work productivity (using the WPAI questionnaire) using general linear models. Demographics, health behaviors, and comorbidities were also measured and included as covariates.  RESULTS: A total of 305 patients were currently or formerly treated for hepatitis C.  Of these patients, 22 reported having been diagnosed with anemia (7.21%).  The presence of anemia was associated with significantly lower mental component summary scores (Mean=37.00 vs. Mean=45.21) and worse health utilities (Mean=0.53 vs. Mean=0.67) (all ps<.05).  Impairment in daily activities was significantly higher among those with anemia (Mean=65.00% vs. Mean=39.33%, p<.05). Few patients were currently employed (n=7 with anemia vs. n=121 without anemia), however, absenteeism (Mean=34.00% vs. Mean=5.79%), presenteeism (Mean=51.43% vs. Mean=23.67%), and overall work impairment (Mean=61.00% vs. 25.98%) were all significantly higher among those with anemia (all ps<.05). The health status and activity impairment differences remained after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking and the Charlson comorbidity index.  CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that presence of anemia is associated with a substantial humanistic and indirect cost burden among patients who are treated for hepatitis C.  Novel treatments which reduce the rate of anemia may result in a substantial improvement in patient outcomes.