Autoimmune Disease Impact on Health and Productivity of US Employees
A report by WellTheory, in collaboration with the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), highlights the significant impact of autoimmune diseases on US employers and workers. The study focuses on 5 prevalent autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis, and thyroid autoimmune disorders.
The report reveals that for every 1000 employees, these conditions contribute to approximately $580 000 in excess health care costs and lost work time due to sickness and disability. In addition, 7.2% of surveyed employed adults received treatment for 1 of the 5 researched autoimmune conditions, a figure that likely underrepresents the true prevalence due to underdiagnosis and the existence of over 100 autoimmune conditions.
The study also highlights disparities in incidence and outcomes, noting that women are twice as likely as men to be affected by autoimmune conditions. Employees with conditions like MS can incur up to 6 times more in medical and prescription medication costs, and up to 16 times more for prescription medications alone, compared to those without autoimmune conditions.
Short-term disability claims for certain autoimmune diseases result in an average of 73 lost workdays per year, costing employers up to $27 000 per patient. Long-term disability claims average 287 lost workdays annually, with a financial impact of $82 000 per claimant.
The report underscores the need for employers to develop benefits strategies that effectively address the challenges posed by autoimmune diseases, aiming to enhance employee health and productivity while mitigating associated costs.
Reference
National report reveals the health and productivity impact of chronic conditions on U.S. employers and workers. Business Wire. March 20, 2025. Accessed March 25, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250320854330/en/National-Report-Reveals-the-Health-and-Productivity-Impact-of-Chronic-Conditions-on-U.S.-Employers-and-Workers
