An Unhealthy America: The Economic Burden of ... - Milken Institute

An Unhealthy AmericaMilken InstituteSTATE-LEVEL RISK FACTORSThe most significant factor determining disease rates, particularly cancers, across states may be the number of people65 and older. At retirement age, individuals often move and change lifestyles and dietary habits. The aging body doesn’tfend off disease as easily as it once did. Cancers, heart disease, and stroke all show increased prevalence among seniors;even diabetes has a clear age component. As the overall median age of the population rises, this demographic trend willplay a significant role across the country. And states like Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas that attract retirees will bearunusually high cost burdens.Percentage of Population 65 and Older By State, 2003DiseaseExpenditures(Billions)PRC*(Millions)Expenditures/PRC(Thousands)Cancer 48.1 10.6 4.5Breast Cancer 5.5 1.1 4.8Colon Cancer 3.9 0.3 11.5Lung Cancer 6.3 0.4 17.1Prostate Cancer 4.3 1.0 4.1Other Cancers 28.0 7.7 3.6Pulmonary Conditions 45.2 49.2 0.9Diabetes 27.1 13.7 2.0Hypertension 32.5 36.8 0.9Heart Disease 64.7 19.2 3.4Stroke 13.6 2.4 5.6Mental Disorders 45.8 30.3 1.5Total 277.0 162.2 1.7PRC: Population Reporting ConditionLowestThird TierSecond TierHighestStates that show high levels in one or more of four significant and avoidable risk factors—smoking, alcohol consumption,poor diet, and low exercise rates—consistently demonstrate high incidence/prevalence rates and PRC levels for morethan one disease. Kentucky and West Virginia, for example, rank among the top five states for multiple risk factors andcan expect to see higher health-care costs and avoidable indirect impacts, such as lower worker productivity and missedworkdays. States reporting high exercise rates—Minnesota (85.0 percent), Colorado (83.2 percent), and Utah (82.7percent)—are likely to face lower treatment expenditures for many cancers, and heart and circulatory problems.[ 54 ]