The Cost of Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease and diabetes, are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. They are also a leading contributor to rising health care costs, accounting for billions in spending each year. Indirect costs including missed work, diminished productivity and lost wages contribute to the burden.

The good news is that, while common and costly, many chronic conditions are preventable or can be better managed with preventive and other appropriate care. With leading risk factors including obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption, changes in lifestyle and diet could prevent or reverse chronic conditions for many.

Click here to download the full infographic.

Additional Resources: 

• See how Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are working to improve primary care to address chronic diseases and lower costs.
• Read our latest issue brief on addressing the high cost of treating chronic diseases. 
• See the full paper: Trends in Spending Across Key Chronic Health Care Conditions Among Privately Insured Adults, 2000-2015.
• Read our Insights piece: Confronting the burden of chronic disease.