PCN215 EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS ON HEALTH CARE EXPENSES IN US ADULTS WITH CANCER

Abstract

Cancer increases the risk of multiple chronic conditions. This study examined the pattern of multiple chronic conditions and associated health care expenses in US adults with cancer. Data from the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) household component (2010-2015) sampled adults (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with cancer and one or more of 18 selected chronic conditions. ICD-9-CM codes from the MEPS medical event files identified diagnoses. Outcomes measured: prevalence and distribution of chronic conditions, total health expenses (per-person per-year) including medical and prescription drug expenses. A generalized linear model (with log link and gamma distribution) assessed the effects of chronic conditions (yes vs. no) and number of chronic condition(s) (0, 1, 2, 3, >3) on total health expenses respectively while controlling for sample characteristics. All analyses and statistical procedures applied longitudinal weights for national estimates. Among 3,657 eligible adults with cancer (representing 19.1 million individuals in US), 83.9% (n = 3,040) had at least one chronic condition. Hypertension (59.7%), hyperlipidemia (53.6%), arthritis (25.6%), diabetes (22.2%), and coronary artery disease (18.2%) were the most prevalent chronic conditions. Nearly 30% reported 4 or more chronic conditions. Total health expenses were $6,388 higher in those with chronic conditions vs. without (p<0.001). One, two, three, and greater than three chronic conditions showed 35% (p=0.028), 36.3% (p=0.005), 41.9% (p=0.001), and 111.7% (p<0.001) higher total expenses vs. those without chronic conditions after adjusting for the study sample characteristics. The prevalence and total health expenses of chronic conditions in US adults with cancer are high. A holistic treatment plan is needed to improve cost outcomes.