Chronic Disease in California: Facts and Figures

Publication Date: October 2006

Publisher: California HealthCare Foundation

Author(s): Gerard Anderson; Katherine B. Wilson

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Forty-two percent of the American population -- 125 million people -- lives with a chronic medical condition. This group already accounts for more than 80% of all health care spending, and is expected to increase by 25% over the next two decades. This snapshot provides an overview of chronic disease care in California and the nation. It highlights key statistics and trends related to disease prevalence, service utilization, spending, and Medicare beneficiaries. Four common chronic conditions -- hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes -- present a significant public health challenge in California. Hypertension is by far the most prevalent, and often leads to other conditions such as stroke and heart disease. Annual health care costs per capita for people with heart disease ($12,900) are more than five times that of the general adult population ($2,400).