The Cost of Chronic Disease
According to the CDC, around 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition, while 40% have two or more. Unfortunately, chronic conditions don’t just generate emotional and physical strain – they place stress on consumer finances too.
Approximately 90% of the nation’s $4.5 trillion in annual health care expenditures is attributed to people with chronic and mental health conditions.
As healthcare costs rise in 2025 and beyond, the price of actually managing a chronic disease, or caring for someone who has one, is becoming harder to manage.
So, how do you deal effectively with the cost of chronic disease?
Handling the Cost of Chronic Disease: Top Tips
Managing a chronic disease in the U.S. doesn’t just test your health; it can test your finances, too.
Here are some strategies for effective cost management.
Proactive Planning
Ultimately, the best way to navigate the cost of chronic disease care is to plan ahead.
While you might not be able to predict every condition you or your loved ones might encounter in the long term, you can actively look after your well-being.
- Manage Your Weight: Speak to a nutritionist or dietitian and explore methods of reducing your weight and managing your A1C measures, to minimize the risk of diabetes, a condition that affects 38 million Americans.
- Use Preventative Screenings: Explore options for screening tests, searching for indicators of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and other conditions.
- Reduce Bad Habits: Take free courses on how to quit smoking, and join groups to reduce alcohol consumption.
Get Comprehensive Coverage
Insurance isn’t just for unexpected events – it’s a crucial part of managing chronic conditions.
If you’re already dealing with the onset of a chronic disease or you know a certain condition runs in your family, purchase disability, life, and long-term care insurance as soon as possible, long before your condition worsens.
While you’re planning for the future, it might also be a good idea to think about buying durable, high-quality medical equipment, rather than renting it.
Oxygenators, wheelchairs, and many other products will end up costing you more in the long term if you rent instead of buy.
Use Non-Insurance Benefits and Discount Programs
You don’t always need traditional insurance to save money on healthcare.
Many Americans overlook free or low-cost resources that can dramatically cut medical expenses.
- Prescription discount programs like GoodRx, HSA AdvantageRx, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs can reduce medication costs, even without insurance.
- Patient Assistance Programs provide financial aid and co-pay relief to qualifying individuals. Check out the Patient Advocate Foundation for a start.
- Condition-specific organizations like the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association offer discounts, grants, and advocacy tools for patients. For example, insulin now has a $35 cap on many products.
Maximize HSA and FSA Accounts
Paying for healthcare with pre-tax dollars can save you hundreds each year.
If you have access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), these accounts let you set aside money tax-free for qualified medical expenses.
- HSAs roll over from year to year and can even earn interest or investment income.
- FSAs are “use it or lose it” annually, but are great for predictable expenses like therapy, prescriptions, or copays.
A Personal Benefits Manager from HSA for America can help you get the most out of these tools to manage the cost of chronic disease.
Choose the Right Health Plan
Not all health insurance plans are created equal, especially when you’re managing the cost of chronic disease.
Choosing a plan that fits your budget and usage patterns can help you avoid major out-of-pocket expenses.
- Silver plans on the ACA Marketplace offer cost-sharing reductions if your income is under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Gold or Platinum plans may be worth it if you frequently see doctors or need ongoing treatment.
Consider Direct Primary Care
Direct Primary Care (DPC) models allow you to pay a flat monthly fee directly to your physician, which can be more predictable and affordable if you need regular checkups.
You can benefit from:
- Predictable costs: There are no copays, no deductibles, and no surprises.
- Chronic care support: If you need frequent visits or ongoing monitoring, DPC can be significantly more cost-effective.
- Pair with other plans: Many use DPC alongside high-deductible health plans or health sharing ministries for major medical events.
Consider Medicare for Early Retirees
In some cases, you may be able to apply for Medicare early.
If you have certain chronic conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or blindness, you may qualify for Medicare before turning 65.
For early retirees or those facing long-term illness, this can significantly reduce the cost of chronic disease management.
Compare Pricing on the Best HealthShare Plans Available
Staying Ahead of the Cost of Chronic Disease
The unfortunate truth is that chronic disease costs are increasing.
Heart disease and strokes cost the healthcare system more than $254 billion a year. Cancer care costs are expected to rise to $240 billion by 2030. The cost of diabetes adds up to more than $413 billion in medical fees and lost productivity.
Ultimately, there’s no easy solution. The best strategy is to be informed, prepared, and ready to adapt fast.
Reach out to a Personal Benefits Manager from HSA for America today, and find out what steps you can take to reduce the cost of managing chronic disease.
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