In the United States, chronic diseases are the top causes of illness, disability and death. These same chronic illnesses drive the nation’s $3.8 trillion annual healthcare bill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

They also have a significant impact on both the health and economic well-being of the U.S. –90% of annual healthcare expenses stem from individuals living with chronic and mental health conditions, the CDC reports. 

With Accolade in your corner, though, the trend line is different.

Aon study on Accolade members with three or more chronic illnesses

A study by the independent analysts at Aon compared a matched control group to Accolade customers the year prior to employing their services and the first year (in some cases two) after partnering with Accolade. The matched control group was made up of members matched on a number of factors, including age, clinical conditions, comorbidities and geography.

Accolade proved especially helpful for chronically ill members, reducing spending for members managing three chronic illnesses by 12% as compared to their matched control group and 17% for members managing four or more chronic illnesses.

In 2018, prior to partnering with Accolade, members with three chronic conditions spent $25,627 per member per year on healthcare expenses. That’s similar to the matched control group, which spent $24,275 per member per year. However, with Accolade in place in 2019, spending for those members decreased by 9.4% to $23,215. Meanwhile, costs for the control group rose by 1.5% to $24,644 annually during the same year. Members with four or more chronic conditions saw slightly higher savings at 17%.

That means not only did Accolade customers spend less than the year prior for members experiencing three of more chronic diseases — they did so in a year where comparable expenses were higher for those not employing Accolade’s services.

Accolade member benefits

That’s all made possible through the efforts of Accolade’s Frontline Care Team. With support from care advocates and nurses, Accolade members were able to find the right care providers and get directed to the proper resources to manage their conditions.

“Our Frontline Care Team is at the center of support for all members,” stated Carolyn Young, Chief Actuary with Accolade. “Our care advocates and registered nurses are able to see to full picture of each member’s benefits and their medical needs. They can help set up doctor appointments, check-in on how members are feeling and encourage members to get their regular health screenings. All these factors can help members manage their chronic illnesses and reduce healthcare expenses for your company.”

Accolade personal advocacy reduces healthcare expenses

Accolade’s knowledgeable and caring team is available every day of the year to ensure your employees receive the right care when they need it most. In addition to reducing costs for chronically ill members, we can help your team cut costs around prescription medicines, contain costs around mental health conditions and reduce healthcare spending associated with working age employees. 

To learn more about the results Accolade demonstrated in Aon’s analysis – and how we can help your team achieve similar results – download the full report below!