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Why Costs are Rising
Changing Health Status
The health status of Americans is on the decline, and that’s playing
a significant role in the rise of health care costs. We may be living
longer, but are we living healthier?
Health status plays a role in the rise of health care costs in these
areas:
- Aging population. People use more health care services
as they age, and that adds to health care costs for all of us. It’s
a situation that’s challenging today, and will become more
acute as the first wave of the Baby Boom generation hits age 65
in 2013.
- Chronic disease. Chronic diseases are becoming far
more common and costly than experts predicted. About 125 million Americans
suffer from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, allergies, asthma and arthritis.*
Chronic diseases cost billions of
dollars and account for more than 70% of dollars spent on health
care each year in the U.S.
- Lifestyle affects health. Heredity, diet, and physical
activity play an important role in your overall health diet. Studies
show that obesity – at least 20% over ideal body weight –
dramatically increases chances for serious and costly conditions.
Want to see how you can take charge?
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