Incidence of Americans with multiple chronic illnesses rise, along with out-of-pocket costs

More Americans – especially seniors – are suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which is placing a greater cost burden on their shoulders. Government survey data shows that 44% of Americans in 2005 suffered from at least one chronic medical condition – a 3% increase over 1996. However, the percentage of Americans with a combination of at least three conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, cancer, arthritis and/or heart failure, increased even more significantly. Across all ages, it rose from 7% in 1996 to 13% in 2005 regardless of sex, race, ethnicity and income level. Seniors 80 and older exhibited an even sharper increase: from 38% in 1996 to 54% in 2005.

In addition, as researchers in the journal Health Affairs reported, annual out-of-pocket medical costs soared over the same time frame, from $427 per American to $741 – a 39% increase after adjusting for inflation. The burden on older Americans is much higher. Medicare recipients 65 and older with three or more conditions paid an average of $2,588 in out-of-pocket expenses. “The burden of chronic conditions is becoming heavier,” says Kathryn Paez of the Maryland-based health research organization Social & Scientific Systems Inc. “The higher costs may make it harder for some people to pay for needed medications – and they may not stay on them or they may skip doses, worsening their medical conditions,” she adds.

  Obesity is seen as a key factor. In fact, the increase in obesity and sedentary lifestyles is believed to be a factor in the number of new cases of diabetes skyrocketing by approximately 90% over the past 10 years.

 News Release: More Americans getting multiple chronic illnesses U.S. Reuters January 6, 2009