Health council projects $100M increase in costs for chronic care

New Brunswick is on track to see the percentage of its residents with three or more chronic health conditions increase by 25 per cent and cost at least $100 million more in health-care costs to serve the same number of people,

A newNew Brunswick Health Council report states New Brunswick has the highest prevalence of chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, depression, and diabetes in the country, with 62 per cent of residents having a chronic health condition.

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In 2016, 20 per cent of New Brunswickers have three or more chronic health conditions and the report says that number is projected to grow to 25 per cent by 2023.

"Chronic health conditions are the most common and costly of all health problems due to the need for care and medication," states the report. "They also have a high impact on quality of life.

"Aging compounds the problem because chronic conditions often worsen with age and the possibility of multimorbidity increases."

The average cost of health services for a person with three chronic conditions in New Brunswick is $5,232, compared to $1,266 for a New Brunswicker with no chronic conditions.

The health system will require at least an additional $100 million to mee the projected increase in demand.- New Brunswick Health Council, Cost of chronic care report

"The health system will require at least an additional $100 million to meet the projected increase in demand," states the report.

"While prevention is important in terms of minimizing chronic health conditions, it is essential that individuals with one or two chronic health conditions receive the care necessary to prevent the development of additional conditions that would move them into the 'three or more' group with its additional expenses and impact on quality of life."

The health council notes in a postscript to its report that the Council of Atlantic Premiers made reference to chronic disease problem after a recent meeting when they stated: "[The] premiers are committed to a regional approach that focuses on innovation to address the determinants of health, chronic disease management and the unique needs of Atlantic Canada in providing health care services to an aging population."

The health council says the risks can be addressed through targeted, sustainable multi-year funding and an emphasis on illness prevention, health promotion and primary health services.