According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, chronic disease is responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans every year. And we know that the costs associated with treating individuals with chronic conditions account for the majority of annual spending on medical care.
Across the country, more employers are learning how nondiscriminatory employer-based prevention and wellness programs can help improve the overall health of our workers and control health care spending—and the Affordable Care Act is making it easier.
The Cost of Chronic Disease and the Benefits of Workplace Wellness
HHS reports that the cost of treatment for those with chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, strokes, and diabetes accounts for over 75% of our annual medical care costs. In addition to these direct costs, the indirect costs associated with poor health –such as worker absenteeism, reduced productivity, and disability — may be significantly higher. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these productivity losses due to personal and family health issues can cost U.S. businesses $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually.
To view the final rules related to new incentives for employer wellness programs under the Affordable Care Act, click here.
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