Employer challenges with the chronic kidney disease population

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health burden linked to metabolic and cardiovascular issues.
• Employers currently under-prioritize CKD, missing opportunities for early intervention.
• CKD poses a significant threat to the financial sustainability of employer-sponsored health insurance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of CKD on employer group health plans.
• To highlight the importance of early CKD screening and detection.
• To demonstrate how proactive management can improve patient quality of life and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of CKD prevalence and risk factors in non-Medicare populations.
• Examination of direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with CKD.
• Review of comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension, in CKD progression.

Main Results:

• 20 million Americans have CKD, with another 20 million at elevated risk.
• CKD management is linked to significant direct costs (inpatient, outpatient, drug) and indirect costs (disability, absenteeism).
• Comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and hypertension are critical factors in CKD progression.

Conclusions:

• CKD is integral to cardiometabolic health, attracting payer and purchaser attention.
• Investing in early CKD identification and management offers substantial long-term savings.
• Proactive employer strategies for CKD can enhance employee well-being and mitigate escalating healthcare expenditures.