Data from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) shows that Millennials are declining physically faster than any other generation. And since they make up the largest percentage of the U.S. population and labor force, this could put a serious burden on the market. "Poorer health equates to lower income," vice president of strategy and analytics at BCBS Mark Talutto said. BCBS is estimating that by 2027, health care costs for Millenials will be $4500 more than they are currently, 33% higher than Generation X's medical costs at the same age.
What is exactly is being seen in Millenials that indicates a lower standard of health? BCBS saw in a study comparing Millenials and Gen X, that they have much higher rates of high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and nicotine dependence. Along with this, mental health issues such as hyperactivity and depression were found to be much more common. In October, it was found that over 50% of Millenials quit their jobs for mental health reasons.
This could have larger ramifications than just on Millenials. "These findings should serve as a call to action among policymakers and the healthcare community to address declining health among younger Americans before the more severe consequences become reality," the study by BCBS claimed. "If nothing is done, the impacts could be game-changing for the U.S. and its economy." It is still unsure how these declining health patterns and increase in medicare costs will affect the US economy, but it's not looking good for Millenials currently.
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