Persons With Chronic Conditions

Abstract

The prevalence and costs of chronic conditions as a whole have rarely been estimated. Because the number of persons with limitations due to chronic conditions is more regularly reported in the literature, the total prevalence of chronic conditions has perhaps been minimized. The majority of persons with chronic conditions are not disabled, nor are they elderly. Chronic conditions affect all ages. Because persons with chronic conditions have greater health needs at any age, their costs are disproportionately high.