During his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, highlighted chronic disease as a key factor driving the high health care costs in America. Kennedy emphasized that the prevalence of chronic diseases is a significant contributor to the country's substantial health care spending, which accounts for about one-fifth of the US economy.
America's health care expenditures surpass those of peer countries, yet the nation lags behind in health outcomes. Kennedy referenced data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealing that approximately 90% of the country's annual health care costs are linked to chronic diseases. This statistic encompasses spending on mental health conditions as well, as per the CDC.
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, require ongoing medical attention and management, leading to substantial financial burdens on individuals, families, and the healthcare system as a whole. Addressing the root causes of chronic diseases and implementing preventive measures could potentially alleviate the financial strain on the healthcare sector and improve overall health outcomes for Americans.
