The Burrill Report

The number of working-age Americans with at least one chronic disease is increasing—to nearly 40 percent—along with rising obesity rates, a new study finds. In 2007, 39 percent of the working-age population (18 to 64), or 72 million people, had at least one chronic health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, or depression, according to researchers from the Center for Studying Health System Change. That’s a big increase from 35 percent of the working-age population in 2003 and 34 percent in 2001, says the nonpartisan research policy organization.

Researchers say the rise in chronic conditions, especially in diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, tracked rising U.S. obesity rates. The proportion of working-age Americans classified as obese—those with a body mass index of 30 or higher—grew to 29 percent from 25 percent between 2003 and 2007, the study finds.

Of great concern: as the prevalence of chronic disease rises, so is the difficulty that families are having in paying for care. Nearly three in 10 working-age Americans with chronic conditions lived in families with problems paying medical bills in 2007—a significant increase from two in 10 in 2003, according to study, which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2007, 28 percent of working-age adults with chronic conditions—more than 20 million people—reported that their families had trouble paying medical bills in the past year—up from 21 percent in 2003, the study says. The situation could be even worse today as the study was completed before the current economic crisis.

“The rising prevalence and increasing financial burden of chronic conditions mean more working-age Americans than ever are forgoing or delaying medical care because of concerns that they cannot afford treatment,” says study co-author Ha. T. Tu, a senior health researcher at the center.

The study says working-age adults with chronic conditions and problems paying medical bills were much more likely to forgo or delay needed care because of cost concerns. Some 25 percent, or 5.1 million people, went without needed care, the study says. A full 50 percent, or 10 million people, delayed care. And 56 percent, or 11.3 million people, did not fill a drug prescription in 2007, the study finds.

“This report highlights the double whammy of increased disease and rising costs that are hitting millions of Americans,” says Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “With families feeling the squeeze like never before, and 46 million Americans already living without any health insurance, it’s more important than ever to find ways to make health care affordable and ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable coverage.”

April 09, 2009
http://www.burrillreport.com/article-double_whammy.html