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A chronic condition is a long-lasting condition (persisting 3-12 months or more) that typically can be controlled, but not cured1-2. While many chronic conditions are associated with aging, they can also have risk factors that present in utero. You cannot contract a chronic condition from another individual, but some can be prevented by avoiding unhealthy lifestyle choices.
According to the CDC, chronic disease is responsible for 86% of healthcare expenditures in the US, with 1 in 4 individuals suffering from multiple chronic conditions (MCC) 3-4. With the prevalence of those suffering from MCC projected to increase, employers are implementing wellness programs to combat associated costs. Benefit Performance Associates has shown that the Integrated Health Advocacy Program (IHAP) is a cost-effective disease management program that improves the quality of life for its participants. For more information IHAP and managing overall health spending, contact Dawn Tishkoff at 630-761-4427 or dtishkoff@ihap.com.
1 The New York State Department of Health Division of Chronic Disease Prevention. (May 2015). Chronic Diseases and Conditions. Retrieved from: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/chronic/
2 Center for Managing Chronic Disease, University of Michigan. (n.d.). Retrieved from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor website: http://cmcd.sph.umich.edu/about/about-chronic-disease/
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/
4 Ward BW, Schiller JS, Goodman RA. Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults: A 2012 Update. Prev Chronic Dis 2014;11:130389. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd11.130389
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