Arthritis Burden Estimated at $2.7 Billion in Missouri

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORC) cost the state of Missouri an estimated $2.7 billion with $1.2 billion in direct medical expenses and $1.5 billion in indirect costs including lost earnings. This estimate, from 1997 data, was cited in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on November 21, 2003.

These same medical conditions cost the United States an estimated $116.3 billion ($51.1 billion in medical care expenditures and $65.2 billion in lost earnings). The estimates are the first-ever, state specific cost estimates for all 50 states that provide a measure of the economic and societal burden of arthritis in each state based on their population with physician diagnosed arthritis. The 1997 estimates are a major improvement over previous cost estimates as they are based on individual-level data, are the most up-to-date, and use statistical methods that increase accuracy of estimates.

The cost of treating persons with AORC is expected to rise. Medical care expenditures are likely to increase even more rapidly than medical care inflation because the number of persons with AORC will increase as the U.S. population ages.

“The newly released cost estimates have given us a perspective on just how important it is to address the needs of our aging population. Greater widespread public health efforts to increase physical activity, maintain healthy weight, and expand the use of self-management education among persons with AORC might help reduce these costs and improve quality of life,” said Beth Richards, Manager, Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program.

The MAOP provides statewide services through seven Regional Arthritis Centers. Some examples of services and programs offered include:

Providing or guiding the public to the nearest source of the most accurate arthritis or osteoporosis information available;
Providing several self-management courses, such as the People With Arthritis Can Exercise Program, and other land and aquatic self-management programs;
Presentations on arthritis and osteoporosis to community and business groups; and
Maintaining a free arthritis and osteoporosis loan library where books, brochures and other resources are available to the general public.

For more information on arthritis in Missouri visit www.dhss.state.mo.us/maop or call 1-800-316-0935. To view AORC cost estimates for all 50 states or further information published in the MMWR go to the CDC’s web site at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/arthritis/mmwr.htm.