Chronic disease increase cited for rising out-of-pocket costs

A new study has found that as more Americans are diagnosed with multiple chronic diseases, there has been a steep increase in out-of-pocket medical expenses (Source: “More Americans getting multiple chronic illnesses,” Reuters, Jan. 6, 2008).

Average annual costs not covered by insurance rose from $427 per American in 1996 to $741 in 2005, according to a report (subscription required for full report) in the journal Health Affairs. Adjusted for inflation, that amounts to a 39-percent increase.

According to government data, 44 percent of Americans had at least one chronic medical condition in 2005, compared to 41 percent in 1996. And the percentage of Americans with three or more chronic conditions rose from 13 percent in 1996 to 22 percent in 2005 for ages 45 to 64 and to 45 percent for ages 65 to 79.

The findings were part of a collection of articles in Health Affairs examining chronic disease in the United States (subscription is required to read most full articles). Among the reports are an opinion piece arguing that, while they are valuable, prevention programs rarely save money and a second that contends that cost savings should not be the primary evaluating factor for prevention program.

There also is an article that an examines preliminary data on the adoption of the Chronic Care Model  and concludes that it has resulted in improved patient care and better health outcomes.

Adoption of the Chronic Care Model is one of 12 recommendations that were developed at November’s Ohio Health Quality Improvement Summit as a way to create a high-performing health system in Ohio by 2013.