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.

These policy briefs and talking points provide state legislators with concise, up-to-date information on public health topics such as obesity and chronic disease prevention, sexually transmitted disease prevention, vaccines, health disparities and school health. Each brief provides advice from other state legislators, ways you can get involved in your state and a look at programs that work. Download our newest briefs and talking points.

This TrendsAlert describes the startling trends in health costs, chronic disease rates and Medicaid costs for these diseases. It also includes descriptions of some of the most recent state policies and programs to prevent diseases and promote good health among Americans.