WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Health Subcommittee Chairman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) delivered the following statement during a Health Subcommittee hearing on how modernizing coordinated care can improve the health of Americans with chronic diseases.

As prepared for delivery.

“Good afternoon and thank you to the witnesses for being here today to discuss an important issue that I’m excited about: reducing and preventing chronic diseases.

“To combat the chronic disease epidemic, I strongly believe we need to empower providers to work together to treat and manage patients. 

“The U.S. has a larger share of people with chronic diseases compared to other countries, and more than twice as many Americans with obesity and diabetes. In fact, chronic diseases make up 8 of the 10 top causes of death in the U.S.

“This crisis spans all ages. Approximately 20 percent of U.S. children are obese, 30 percent of young adults are disqualified from serving in the military due to their obesity, and 40 percent of adults are obese.

“We spend $4.5 trillion annually on health care costs, and 90 percent comes from chronic diseases alone. We must do better for patients and taxpayers. 

“Too often, our health care system responds to health problems only after they arise instead of preventing them in the first place.”