Health Problems for U.S. Workers, Families Result in $260B in Lost Productivity, Study Says

Health problems and illness among U.S. workers and their families cost $260 billion in lost productivity annually, according to a study released Wednesday by the Commonwealth Fund, CQ HealthBeat reports (CQ HealthBeat, 8/31). In the study, Commonwealth Fund President and lead author Karen Davis and colleagues analyzed data on workers ages 19 and older from the Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey 2003, conducted between Sept. 3, 2003, and Jan. 4, 2004 (Commonwealth Fund release, 8/31). According to the study, about 18 million adults ages 19 to 64 have a chronic disease, disability or any other health problem that prevents them from being employed (CQ HealthBeat, 8/31). Valued at the minimum wage, those figures equate to about $185 billion annually in lost income (Commonwealth Fund release, 8/31). In addition, 69 million workers reported missing work days because of an illness, and 55 million said they were unable to concentrate at work because of their own illness or that of a family member, the study found (CQ HealthBeat, 8/31). Valued at minimum wage, missing work due to an illness costs approximately $48 billion in lost productivity, while attending work but being distracted by health problems costs about $27 billion annually, according to the study (Commonwealth Fund release, 8/31). To reduce costs associated with lost productivity, researchers recommend that lawmakers and business leaders develop disease management and health promotion programs, provide health insurance coverage for all workers to promote preventive care and offer paid time off for workers to see a doctor (CQ HealthBeat, 8/31). Davis said, "The main focus of policymakers has been on the cost of providing health insurance to all Americans, but we have neglected to consider the costs sustained by those who are too sick to work or function effectively" (Commonwealth Fund release, 8/31).