Chronic Disease Prevention

Lady standing in her garden with a basket of vegetables

Key Takeaways

From Our Partners

This post is sponsored by NACo corporate partner, Humana

Chronic disease is costing counties - here's what plan sponsors can do about it

Chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are among the top health challenges facing counties in the U.S. and are a major driver of healthcare spending (1).

These challenges can be exacerbated for counties because public sector employees tend to be older than workers in other industries (2) , and rates of chronic disease increase with age.

Against this background, counties should have a vested interest in encouraging employees and retirees to be proactive about their healthcare. A health insurance plan that prioritizes preventive care can go a long way toward helping members prevent, delay or manage chronic disease.

This FAQ provides more insight into the cost burden of chronic disease and how a preventive, proactive approach to care provides a solution.

 

Q: What are the costs of chronic disease?

A: The direct costs of chronic disease include the financial toll on plan sponsors and the Medicare system. For example, the economic impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is projected to be $1.1 trillion by 2035, up from $555 billion in 2016 (3).

Q: What is the financial impact of high-risk plan members?

A: The highest risk plan members—those with early-stage disease or chronic conditions—account for 70% of total costs (in terms of investments by payers). Meanwhile, low-risk and medium-risk members account for 30% of total costs.*

Q: Is there a direct correlation between preventive care measures and cost savings?

A: Yes. An example can be found in a study in which participants received cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training for six months. Of those classified as “high risk” at the beginning of the study, 57% were converted to low-risk status by the end. In addition, medical claim costs declined by $1,421 per study participant compared with the previous year (4).

Q: Which preventive care measures should be prioritized for preventing or delaying chronic disease?

A: Cancer screenings and blood pressure screenings can make a big difference in detecting and halting the progression of chronic conditions. Exercise programs and health coaching can also help older adults prevent, delay or manage chronic disease.

Q: How many older adults are affected by chronic disease? Why?

A: Nearly 95% of adults ages 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% have two or more (5).  Aging, family history and genetics are the main reasons for these statistics. As we age, there’s an increased risk of chronic diseases like dementia, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, among others (6). 

 

*According to a report by Humana

 

1 “Community-led solutions that address the root causes of America’s unique longevity problem can improve health for all,” County Health Rankings & Roadmaps website, accessed June 1, 2026.

2 “Six charts on the age of federal workers,” USA Facts website, April 9, 2025, accessed June 1, 2026.

3 “Cardiovascular Disease: A Costly Burden for America, Projections Through 2035,” American Heart Association, 2017, accessed June 1, 2026.

4 Leonard L. Berry, Ann M. Mirabito, and William B. Baun, “What’s the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs?,” Harvard Business Review, December 2010, accessed June 1, 2026

5 “The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Conditions in Older Adults,” National Council on Aging, December 2025, accessed June 1, 2026.

6 “Chronic Disease Indicators,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2024, accessed June 1, 2026.

 

Related News

Stories from our partners

NACo partners with the private sector on solutions.

Together, we are highlighting innovative solutions for counties, as we work with our federal, state, local and private sector partners to build healthy, safe and vibrant communities.

View all stories

Freight Train
News

Counties and Railroads: Shared Priorities for the Next Surface Transportation Bill

County leaders from across the country have a vital opportunity to ensure their infrastructure priorities are front and center.

Woman reading on a laptop
News

Unlocking AI Starts With Strong Data Governance

Strong data governance is the foundation of trustworthy AI in government. When Agencies inventory, clean, unify and steward their data, they unlock better decisions, improved services and stronger public trust.

Woman Typing on a computer
News

How County Governments Thrive with Cloud-Based Solutions

Modern cloud infrastructure enables agencies to better meet residents and workforce needs. Agencies report increased efficiencies as well as reduction of technical and operational debt as they replace aging, fragmented systems.

man pointing at a cybersecurity shield with a checkmark and then a checklist is next to it
News

The Cybersecurity Health Check List: Ensure Your Cybersecurity Program is Healthy and Resilient

Many organizations neglect their cybersecurity "health," leaving them vulnerable to sudden, catastrophic cyberattacks. By following a simple cybersecurity health checklist, you can ensure your organization's cybersecurity program is healthy and resilient. 

Yellow Hazard sign that says relief
News

APS Expands Heat Relief Efforts in Maricopa County, Arizona

APS supports and partners with community organizations and nonprofits to provide heat relief.

Are Your Ready Street Sign
News

Prepared to respond: How counties can strengthen readiness amid federal emergency management policy changes

As local leaders, you are often the first call - and the final line of defense - when disaster strikes. From hurricanes and wildfires to floods and winter storms, natural disasters are growing in both frequency and intensity nationwide.

Light a Path Image
News

#LightAPath for Amazon Deliveries This Winter

During reduced daylight hours, Amazon is encouraging customers to help drivers when they are delivering their packages in the dark.

HIPAA compliant
News

New in 2025: Counties Should Prepare Now for the Upcoming HIPAA Security Rule Update

Counties across the country are leveraging the Sectri platform to achieve HIPAA Security Rule compliance and to proactively prepare for the updated requirements set to be finalized in 2025.

Opioid crisis
News

America's Opioid Crisis: Counties as Frontline Forces in the Fight

Counties serve as the first line of defense, providing essential services in public health, mental health, law enforcement and social services - supporting communities in crisis and driving lasting recovery.

Prevent
News

Empowering Communities: How County Leaders are Tackling the Opioid Crisis Head-On

Forward-thinking county leaders are implementing year-round strategies to prevent overdoses, educate communities about the importance of proper drug disposal and connect residents with local resources for support.

Tech
News

County collaboration is key to overcoming the cybersecurity talent shortage

In the United States, citizens depend on county governments to deliver many of the nation’s most critical services. These organizations play a crucial role in ensuring overall community well-being by managing essential services such as law enforcement, public health, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency response.

AGA
News

DTE Energy bringing natural gas, opportunity to Tri-County Region in Northern Michigan

Residents of Benzie, Manistee and Wexford counties in Michigan can breathe a sigh of relief this winter as natural gas becomes available in the region for the first time leading to significant savings, increased comfort and improved reliability.

Windmill
News

Building Resilience Against Climate Change – Insights from Tidal Basin

Carlos J. Castillo, President of Federal Services at Tidal Basin, emphasized the critical role of emergency management in local climate resilience at the 2024 NACo Legislative Conference and Annual Conference.

Telecommunications
News

Investing Over $100 Billion in American Infrastructure

AT&T has invested over $140 billion in the past five years to enhance American connectivity, focusing on expanding its role as the nation's largest fiber internet provider and improving its reliable 5G network, which now serves nearly 290 million people.

Computer servers
News

Building Networks for the Next Century, Not the Last One

AT&T emphasizes its nearly 150-year history of innovation and connectivity as it transitions from traditional copper landlines to modern fiber and wireless technologies, highlighting the importance of adapting to current consumer demands and technological advancements.

Home construction
News

Travis County Develops 2,000 Units of Housing to Address Homelessness

This post is sponsored by our partners at Guidehouse. Through Guidehouse's comprehensive support, Travis County is on track to successfully create over 2,000 units of affordable, supportive housing by 2027.

Picnic
News

Feeding kids during the summer requires county officials

The introduction of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program marks a pivotal shift in addressing childhood hunger, especially during the summer when school meals are unavailable. This nationwide initiative, offering substantial grocery benefits, promises transformative support for over 29 million children, with a significant impact on communities facing systemic inequalities.

Programmers
News

Why customer-centric strategy is vital for digital service adoption

The importance of a customer-centric strategy in digital service adoption for county governments is emphasized, highlighting the need for thoughtful design, clear communication, and multi-channel engagement to meet user expectations and improve customer experience.

EMS
News

Fighting opioid addiction – one life at a time

The opioid crisis, a major national issue, saw a 55% increase in drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2022, with 75% involving opioids. Effective strategies to combat this include integrated care, policy enhancement, and technology, focusing on whole-person care and intervention opportunities to save lives.

Building facade
News

Planning for the post-American Rescue Plan Act future

Guidehouse outlines strategies for state and local governments to sustain programs after the end of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) funding. It emphasizes the need for reassessing constituent needs, measuring program impact, and considering fiscal implications to ensure long-term viability and effective resource allocation for programs initially funded by SLFRF.

Group with hands in
News

How voluntary benefits can help improve your employee benefit package

Voluntary benefits, tailored to diverse employee needs and often at reduced costs, are proving essential in enhancing employer benefit packages, attracting, and retaining talent, and addressing specific wellbeing issues across different age and income groups.

Deterra
News

A countywide opioid misuse prevention campaign is easier to implement than you think

The Deterra Household Mailing Campaign delivers educational tools and deactivation pouches directly to homes. To save lives by tackling the opioid crisis.

Fire danger sign
News

From prevention to resilience: Strategies in wildfire mitigation

Explore a multifaceted approach to wildfire mitigation with Tidal Basin. From creating defensible spaces to early detection systems, discover strategies fostering resilient communities, protecting lives & property. Urgent action is crucial amidst rising wildfire risks. Learn more at TidalBasinGroup.com. 

Doctor helping older lady who is a patient in the exam room
News

VBC for County Employees

Lady standing in her garden with a basket of vegetables
News

Chronic Disease Prevention