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Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
Care for chronic diseases accounts for more than 78 percent of all health care spending and for nearly 80 percent of Medicaid expenditures. This is why Medicaid, which on average makes up 20 percent of state budgets, has been a key driver of the recent fiscal crises in many states.
While chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also preventable. Three modifiable health-damaging behaviors--tobacco use, lack of physical activity and poor eating habits--are responsible for much of the inordinate suffering and death of millions of Americans.
Through implemention of prevention strategies, education and disease management programs aimed at minimizing or eliminating these behaviors, many states are working to drive down long-term costs, improve health and save lives.
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