Helping Patients Manage Chronic Conditions

While health plans continue to advance prevention and wellness, the issues surrounding chronic care management have never been more important.

According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, more than 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population, have at least one chronic condition, which is an ongoing illness or condition, such as heart disease, asthma, cancer and diabetes. The growth of chronic conditions is expected to continue to increase in the years ahead especially as the population ages. Health plans continue to demonstrate real progress in assisting patients through targeted programs that address one or more chronic illnesses such as heart disease, asthma, cancer and diabetes.

Managing health requires the active, integrated involvement of all health care professionals working in coordination with patients and their caregivers and families. Close coordination among plans, medical professionals and patients is the key to better health care quality and outcomes.

RELATED RESOURCES

Asthma Care Advances
AHIP’s online compendia, Asthma Care Advances, highlights health plan efforts to increase access to timely and quality asthma care, resulting in better health outcomes. These pioneer comprehensive asthma programs are improving the lives of individuals with asthma by adopting culturally sensitive asthma management strategies.

Health Insurance Plans' Innovative Initiatives to Combat Cardiovascular Disease
Fall 2011
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than one in four people dying from heart disease every year. People of all backgrounds are affected, and heart disease is influenced by many factors. Research shows a clustering of these factors puts people at increased risk for poor health outcomes.

Innovations in Chronic Care
March 2007
An overview of health plan programs to improve quality of life for members with cancer, chronic pain, depression, asthma, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, and to address obesity among children and adults.