CURRENT POLICY ISSUES
HEALTHCARE
CHRONIC DISEASE
LONG TERM HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH
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Among the many serious challenges our nation faces, few have more grave long-term consequences than under-investment in population-based chronic disease prevention programs and better clinical management, including research and evaluation into effectiveness, and evidence-based change in the way health care is financed and delivered. Chronic disease prevention and management is the foundation upon which a true health care system must be built. Acting on this principle will set us in the right direction toward quality, affordable health care and full, productive lives for all.
THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRONIC DISEASE
The rise of chronic disease and its impact on health care and the health care delivery system in the U.S. are real. Six unhealthy truths tell the story of the rise of chronic disease and its impact on health and health care in the United States.
1. Chronic diseases are the #1 cause of death and disability in the U.S.133 million Americans representing 45% of the total population, have at least one chronic disease. Chronic diseases kill more than 1.7 million Americans per year, and are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths in the U.S.
2. Chronic diseases account for 75% of the nation’s health care spending. During 2007, the U.S. spent over $2.2 trillion on health care; 75 cents went towards treating patients with one or more chronic diseases. In public programs, treatment of chronic diseases constitute and even higher portion of spending: more than 96 cents in Medicare and 83 cents in Medicaid.
3. About two-thirds of the rise in health care spending is due to the rise in the prevalence of treated (primarily) chronic disease.
4. The doubling of obesity between 1987 and today accounts for 20 to 30% of the rise in health care spending. The percent of children and youth who are overweight has tripled since 1980. If the prevalence of obesity was the same today as 1987, health care spending in the US would nearly be 10 percent lower per person- about $200 billion less.
5. The vast majority of cases of chronic disease could be better prevented or managed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 80% of heart disease and stroke, 80% of type 2 diabetes and 40% of cancer could be prevented if only Americans were to do three things– stop smoking, start eating healthy and get in shape.
6. Many Americans (five in six) are unaware of the extent to which chronic disease harms their health – and their wallets. Only a small fraction of Americans, less than one in six, comprehend the magnitude of the problem that chronic diseases account for more than 70% of the deaths in the U.S. and more than 70% of health care costs.
The health care system has successfully adapted to meet new challenges in the past, and it must do so again with the clear understanding that chronic disease is the missing link to complete, just and lasting health reform.
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