Experts say that the declining health of the millennial generation could have a serious impact on the U.S. health care system.
A Moody’s Analytics report analyzing Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index data revealed that:
“Millennials are seeing their health decline faster than the previous generation as they age,” “Without intervention, millennials could feasibly see mortality rates climb up by more than 40% compared to Gen-Xers at the same age.”
These declines in millennial health will lead to greater demand for treatment, which could have a serious financial impact on the cost of health care. Millennials are defined as Americans born between 1981 and 1996. The report went on to state:
“Under the most adverse scenario, millennial treatment costs are projected to be as much as 33% higher than Gen-Xers experienced at a comparable age. Poorer health among millennials will keep them from contributing as much to the economy as they otherwise would, manifesting itself through higher unemployment and slower income growth.”
RELATED STORY:
Part of this decline is due to millennials’ lifestyles, according to Mark Talluto, vice president of strategy and analytics for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. He told Yahoo Finance:
“A lot of millennials, they regularly don’t see a set doctor or a set physician. There are some challenges there. It could be a challenge related to access [or] convenience.”
“Another challenge is that they don’t feel they’re able to develop a trusting relationship with their provider and that the provider doesn’t know them as an individual with their unique needs. That’s also a barrier to seeking care.”
RELATED STORY:
By not seeking care, millennials risk their health conditions worsening, which could create a rapid increase in the need for treatment. The CDC estimates that about 90% of the nation’s annual health care expenditures “are for people with chronic and mental health conditions.” Talluto said:
“The report’s findings reinforce the importance of preventative care, not only for millennials but system-wide as well. Many conditions, both physical and behavioral, can be treated more effectively and affordably if brought to a physician’s attention early on.”
“The findings of this report are not only concerning for millennials, but also for employers, providers, and the U.S. economy at large. We believe that if we take the steps now to address millennial health and work collectively with the health care community, the trend of declining millennial health can be reversed and the economic impact can be prevented.”
RELATED STORY:
Millennials account for the largest share of the U.S. population and the largest share of the U.S. labor market. A sicker workforce means more and more people missing work, or stopping altogether. Based on the Moody’s findings, the labor force participation rate is projected to decline over the next decade. The report said:
“Furthermore, even when they are working, health concerns may prevent them from being as productive as they would have been had they had the same health profile as previous generations.”
