Findings reveal growing public health crisis with unsustainable health costs
NEW YORK, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —
Important points
The cumulative cost of mental health inequalities is estimated to reach $14 trillion by 2040. The United States currently spends an estimated $477.5 billion annually on avoidable and unnecessary expenses related to mental health inequities. Under current conditions, it is estimated that the United States will spend $1.26 trillion annually on costs related to mental health inequities by 2040. Emergency department utilization related to mental health inequities costs an estimated $5.3 billion annually, and projections suggest that if left unchecked, this could rise to about $17.5 billion by 2040.
why is this important
Mental health conditions, challenges, and illnesses are often invisible counterparts of more visible chronic illnesses that affect many people in the United States. The Deloitte and Meharry School of Global Health analysis finds that governments, It highlights the urgent need for an equity-centered approach across the health and business sectors. -There is.
As this report's analysis shows, racial and ethnic disparities persist in health care, while low-income people bear a disproportionate burden of chronic disease, exacerbating economic challenges. Each of these major issues not only leads to unnecessary healthcare costs, but also contributes to reduced productivity, especially among marginalized groups who face high unemployment rates due to mental health issues. .
main quote
“As a practicing physician, I understand that there is a correlation between the potential for chronic illness to exacerbate mental health issues and the financial burden that impacts a patient's overall health. Combining patient experiences with the findings of this report, there is no denying that there is an urgent need to increase mental health visibility, improve health outcomes, and reduce the costs associated with managing these conditions. We need to prioritize action to reduce it.”
— Jay Bhatt, DO, MPH, MPA, Managing Director, Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and Health Equity Institute
“This report builds on my 2022 research examining the historic economic burden of mental health inequities in the United States. There is a compelling correlation between brain health and chronic disease. Recognizing that there is, and to get a more complete picture of the costs of mental health, we determined that the solution to America's health problems is mental health and physical health. We need to understand the current and future costs of health inequalities. We need to help employers, clinicians, researchers, advocates, policy makers, and community leaders address these pervasive and We urge you to come together to promote viable solutions to address an increasingly costly problem. Mental health inequalities now is the time to tackle this pressing issue in a cost-effective manner. There is an opportunity to actively shape the mental health landscape of millions of people by intentionally developing society-designed interventions.”
— Daniel E. Dawes, J.D., Founding Dean, School of Global Health, Meharry Medical College
Correlation between chronic illness and mental health
An analysis by Deloitte and Meharry School of Global Health found:
Across almost all age groups, people with poor mental health conditions have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. Low-income people with mental health conditions have higher rates of chronic disease than higher-income people. Among people with mental health conditions, higher rates of diabetes, HIV AIDS, and stroke have been observed in low-income groups when compared to high-income groups.
The path to a healthier future
Addressing equity in mental health is a critical component of society's success in reducing mental health inequalities, improving chronic disease management, and limiting excessive health spending. This report reviewed the evidence to determine whether the impact of mental health inequalities can be reduced, and if so, where leaders can find the most effective means to do so.
The report found that significant cost savings can be achieved by focusing on three areas: One is to increase access to quality mental health care for underserved populations, an estimated 57% of whom currently face challenges accessing care. Integrating mental health care into chronic disease management programs. Invest in preventive mental health services to identify and address problems early.
For communities suffering from poor mental health, closing the gap in access to quality mental health care will reduce the prevalence of premature death, emergency department visits, lost productivity due to cardiovascular disease, and associated It can also lead to a significant reduction in all costs. Its management.
The full report and findings are available at “The Projected Costs and Economic Impact of Mental Health Disparities in the United States.”
methodology
To more broadly understand the economic burden of mental health inequities in the United States, the Meharry School of Medicine School of Global Health and the Deloitte Institute for Health Equity launch Komodo's Healthcare Map, a focus on equity in health care spending data. We conducted a quantitative analysis based on the results. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality panel survey, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database, and CDC's National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey. This analysis expands on the methodology utilized in Thomas LaVeist, Darrell Gaskin, and Patrick Richard's health disparities research described in their 2009 report, The Economic Burden of Health Disparities in the United States. Daniel E. Dawes and Christian M. Amador expand on his 2022 report, “The Economic Burden of Mental Health Inequalities in the United States.” Previous analyzes have quantified the impact of mental health on productivity, but have not attempted to specifically quantify the costs of inequality. This analysis provides a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of mental and physical health by quantifying the productivity lost as a result of disparities in mental health outcomes by race and ethnicity. I did.
About Meharry Medical School School of Global Health
The Department of Global Health at Meharry School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, is rooted in Meharry's nearly 150-year tradition of leading on health equity issues. As the nation's first and only global health faculty, we are committed to preparing the next generation of global health learners and leaders to find solutions and respond to our communities' complex and evolving health challenges with a global perspective. doing. A hub for research and academic innovation in global health, mental and behavioral health, population health, public health, environmental health, health communication, social and political determinants of health, and more, the School of Health 's impartiality approach and trusted source of practical information. Solutions to the inequalities that impact our most vulnerable, under-resourced and marginalized communities. For more information, visit MeharryGlobal.org.
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit and assurance, tax and legal, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500® and thousands of privately held companies. Our people deliver tangible, lasting results that strengthen society's trust in capital markets, enable our clients to transform and prosper, and lead the way towards stronger economies, fairer societies, and a sustainable world. It brings about great results. With a history spanning more than 175 years, Deloitte is present in more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 457,000 employees around the world are making an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com.
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