Families can protect themselves from rising medical costs
(ARA) - All the attention on health care reform and soaring costs leaves many wondering how they will face health challenges in the future. While the debate rages on in Washington, there are steps individuals and families can take right now to help protect themselves against spending a fortune on medical costs.
With seven of 2008's top 10 most expensive conditions (the majority of which are chronic) known to occur because of obesity, it's no secret that being at an unhealthy weight increases the costs of health care. In fact, a new study published in a leading medical journal found that, compared to an individual at a healthy weight, someone who is obese will pay about 40 percent - or $1,500 - more per year on medical costs. It comes out to about $5,000 for health care costs annually.
The Health Affairs report also stated that treating obesity-related conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension makes up the lion's share of the cost, and the single biggest driver of the financial burden of obesity is prescription drugs.
People at a healthy weight generally spend about $700 annually on prescriptions while those who battle obesity will pay on average $1,300 - and sometimes more.
Today the average cost to fill a retail prescription drug, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, is $69.91, posting an average increase at 6.9 percent for the last 10 years, which is more than double the average inflation rate. That means next year the average retail prescription will likely cost about $75.00 - leading to more financial hardship.
Dr. Jamy Ard, medical director of the OPTIFAST Program, has seen first-hand the effects of this financial stress.
"I know the toll this burden takes on some of my patients. When they come in for the first time, they are clearly drained from the physical, emotional and financial challenges of living with obesity," says Ard.
The good news is that it's not too late for people who are obese to look forward to a more healthful future, because losing weight may lead to better health.
"We've had several different patients whose initial situations seem bleak at best, but through weight loss they were able to completely transform their health," Ard shares.
"One gentleman started the program needing a dozen different prescriptions. He had just been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and given little hope of survival. Within a year, he enjoyed a clean bill of health, was off all 12 medications and able to play with his grandkids. Most patients experience an average 52 pound weight loss, a 15 percent decrease in cholesterol, 29 percent decrease in blood glucose and a 10 percent decrease in blood pressure."
Along with leading a more fulfilled life, this gentleman has a much fuller bank account. Taking the average cost of a retail prescription drug at $69.91 for each of his 12 medicines, he saves more than $10,000 annually by not needing the prescriptions.
Many different support programs exist to help people lose weight. Ard recommends choosing one that is monitored by a medical professional, includes behavior-modification and education components, and provides long-term support.
"While weight loss programs do have an upfront cost, the return on investment is significant when patients stay with the program and remain engaged for long-term success," says Ard. "They can easily recoup the cost of the program the very first year. Plus they'll enjoy a more healthful future in every way, and that is truly invaluable."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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