Analysis: Chronic Conditions Cost Nearly $23 Billion In Minnesota

ST. PAUL (AP) - A state analysis of medical claims in Minnesota in 2012 shows care for chronic health conditions cost nearly $23 billion.

The state Department of Health was able to put a dollar figure on the cost of chronic health conditions for the first time. Care for patients with at least one chronic condition accounted for 83 percent of medical spending in the analysis.

State Health Economist Stefan Gildemeister says the findings challenge the state's reputation as healthy and low-spending. His team analyzed medical claims of 4.5 million residents covered by public and private insurance in 2012.

The data omits costs for treating the uninsured and doesn't include people in several specialized health programs.

State Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger says a different approach to managing disease is needed in light of the findings.