An Advocacy Perspective:
Chronic Illness in America

In 2005, 133 million Americans (almost 1 in 2) had one or more chronic conditions (defined as health conditions that last a year or more and require ongoing medical attention and/or limit activities of daily living).

This number is projected to increase by more than 1% each year through 2030.

Between 2000 and 2030, the number of Americans with chronic conditions will increase by 37%, an increase of 46 million people.

• Source: Wu, S, & Green, A. Projection of Chronic Illness Prevalence and Cost Inflation. RAND Corporation, October 2000