Otis Webb Brawley

The Economic Impact of Chronic Disease

Ross DeVol, Nancy Brown, Neal Kaufman, Kristen Miranda, Hugh Waters, Otis Webb Brawley

The Milken Institute convened health leaders and researchers to address the escalating economic and human toll of chronic diseases, emphasizing that 80% of cardiovascular conditions and rising cancer rates are preventable through lifestyle changes and systemic reform. Speakers highlighted stark disparities linked to education and income while detailing how policy interventions, such as Medicaid expansion and Accountable Care Organizations, can reduce waste and improve early detection. The session concluded with a unified call to shift from fee-for-service models to patient-centric strategies that leverage digital tools and early education to extend healthy life years rather than merely treating illness.