Chronic Condition Management: Employer Strategies for Better Health

The rising prevalence of chronic disease is causing employers to rethink their workplace healthcare benefits. A condition is considered chronic when it lasts longer than a year and requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily living activities, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes or hypertension.

According to the CDC, six in 10 U.S. adults live with at least one chronic disease, and four in 10 have more than one. Many of these health conditions are preventable through early detection and lifestyle management of risk factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use.

A common problem among a diverse workforce

More older Americans remain employed today than ever before, and this population is uniquely impacted by chronic disease. But younger adults also contribute to these climbing numbers — a staggering 54% of people ages 18–24 have at least one chronic condition.

Because many people rely on employer-sponsored healthcare coverage for themselves and their families, businesses are under more pressure to deliver supportive benefit solutions and control healthcare costs amid demographic shifts and rising disease rates.

The Cost Burden of Chronic Illnesses

The rise in chronic diseases poses a substantial economic burden to businesses via direct and indirect costs. Direct expenses include the healthcare costs related to their treatment and management. Out of the $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare spending, an astonishing 90% goes to treating chronic and mental health disorders.

Indirect costs associated with chronic conditions include productivity losses and missed workdays. One study estimates this at a $575 billion annual cost to U.S. employers. This economic strain is worsened by the increased likelihood of employees with chronic conditions being either absent, or present but underperforming, due to their health issues. The burden of chronic disease in the workplace has created a ripple effect that impacts overall business performance.

Because of this, employers have a vested interest in helping address chronic diseases. It’s not just a matter of supporting employee well-being; it’s crucial to safeguarding the organization’s bottom line. Investing in comprehensive health and wellness programs and flexible work arrangements can mitigate these costs by improving employee health outcomes and downline presenteeism and productivity.

Novel Chronic Condition Management Programs Are Poised to Help

According to the CDC, wellness strategies that encourage regular physical activity, healthy eating and stress management are an effective way for employers to reduce the impact of chronic disease on the workplace. Flexible work arrangements and access to support systems, like counseling and chronic disease management programs, can also help increase productivity and lower care costs.

David, an Arizona middle school teacher, is just one success story from this holistic and specialized approach. He struggled to manage his Type 2 diabetes for years. Despite injecting insulin multiple times a day, he continued to gain weight as his health declined. He even suffered a stroke before he signed up for a virtual diabetes reversal program offered through his employer-sponsored Banner|Aetna health plan. The insurer’s evidence-based approach uses personalized nutrition therapy, continuous remote monitoring and on-demand support from an expert care team to help those with Type 2 diabetes live healthier lives. Since starting the program in 2022, David lost 45 pounds and lowered his blood sugar levels to a healthy range.

The above is an illustrative example based on real Aetna member experience, underscoring the powerful impact employers can make when they offer targeted wellness and chronic condition management programs to their staff. When employees are healthier, they utilize fewer health care services and are more likely to bring their best selves to work.

Investing in a healthier workplace

The increasing rate of chronic diseases presents a complex challenge for employers. That’s why it’s critical to evaluate current workplace benefit strategies and their impact on employees’ lives. By adopting comprehensive health and wellness programs that address the root causes of common chronic illnesses, business owners can support employee well-being and ensure a more sustainable future for their company and their bottom line.