Most Americans would approve of federal funding for chronic disease prevention programs–and would pay higher taxes for it, according to a new poll.
The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors found that an overwhelming 84% majority of people would support federal funding for state and local chronic disease prevention programs, and that 67% of people view prevention as an area of the healthcare system that needs more attention. A total 64% of the survey’s respondents say they would be willing to pay higher taxes to fund such prevention programs, and 43% say they would be more likely to vote for a political candidate who favors expanded funding for chronic disease prevention.
Nine out of 10 people in the U.S. aged 65 or older have at least one chronic condition, and up to 77% have two or more (McKnight’s, 5/30). According to recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 cents of every dollar spent on healthcare goes toward treating chronic health conditions, which are responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths each year.
