What You Need to Know About the Real Cost of Heart Disease

February is American Heart Month, and many people will reflect on the fact that heart disease affects millions of men and women in the United States.

You will likely find most people do not truly understand the real cost of a health crisis like heart disease. As an advisor, this is a great opportunity to counsel your clients about their need to be protected and to help provide solutions. It is important to offer your clients a benefits solution like voluntary insurance to help with unexpected, high out-of-pocket costs.

• In the United States, treating all cardiovascular diseases – including heart conditions, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and high blood pressure — costs $273 billion each year.
• The estimated cost per person for severe coronary artery disease — the most common form of heart disease — is more than $1 million.
• The average cost per hospital stay for heart valve disorders in 2009 was an overwhelming $36,700.
• Projections show that the direct costs of cardiovascular disease will triple in the next 20 years, rising to $818 billion.

Are these statistics not convincing enough? Perhaps Kelly’s story might change your mind:

Kelly M. underwent triple bypass surgery in October 2005 and was off of work for six weeks. She wondered how she would pay her mortgage, car note and other numerous bills. She contacted her insurance company about her hospital intensive care insurance policy. She was covered! Her voluntary insurance policy helped her to recuperate without being stressed out about finances.