The Top 5 Cost-Driving Conditions
| Condition | Average Annual Cost per Affected Employee | Prevalence in Workforce |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular disease | $15,000–$25,000 | 10–15% |
| Diabetes | $12,000–$20,000 | 8–12% |
| Musculoskeletal | $10,000–$20,000 | 20–30% |
| Mental health | $8,000–$15,000 | 15–20% |
| Cancer | $50,000–$200,000+ | 2–5% |
The Comorbidity Problem
Employees with multiple chronic conditions — comorbidities — have dramatically higher healthcare costs than those with a single condition. An employee with diabetes and hypertension has 3x the cost of an employee with diabetes alone. An employee with diabetes, hypertension, and depression has 5x the cost. Comorbidity management is the most important opportunity in chronic disease management.
The Early Intervention Imperative
IQ Insight
The most cost-effective chronic disease management strategy is early intervention — identifying and treating conditions before they progress to more serious (and more expensive) stages. A pre-diabetic employee who receives lifestyle intervention has a 58% lower risk of developing diabetes. An employee with stage 1 hypertension who receives medication and lifestyle support has a dramatically lower risk of heart attack or stroke. Early intervention saves lives and money.