Millennials and their children are experiencing chronic health conditions at unexpectedly higher levels than older generations and are utilizing medical resources in significantly different ways, according to a
These shifting trends are a signal for employers to address the evolving needs of millennials and their families to better align with their healthcare preferences. Millennials, or those born between 1981 and 1996, depend more on the healthcare system and experience greater disease burdens than even their closest Generation X counterparts, who were born between 1965 and 1980. Not only are millennials the dominant generation covered in employer health plans today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that age group's labor force size will increase by nearly 4.5 million by 2029 — the largest gain for a single age group.
Medical risks
Millennials far exceed utilization and treatment for today's dominant and costly medical conditions.
- Diabetes: 106% more hospital admissions
- Hypertension: 55% more emergency room and urgent care visits
- Obesity: 31% more ER/UC visits and 29% more hospital admissions
- Back disorders: 22% higher ER/UC visits, 46% higher admissions
- Osteoarthritis: 36% higher ER/UC visits
Causes and implications
While pregnancy is the top cost driver for millennials, this generational group is experiencing more frequent diagnoses for age-related conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. And because a larger portion of diabetes spend is being used to care for millennials than for Gen X or baby boomers, they're likely seeking diabetes-related outpatient or emergency care.
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Financial stress and social isolation are among the social determinants of health that are adversely affecting the behavioral health of millennials. Compared to pre-pandemic rates, this generation increased utilization of mental health services by 35%. Among children and teens, behavioral health utilization is at an all-time high.
Culturally, millennials are tuned into well-being and are more aggressively seeking treatments for themselves and their children. This generation accounts for more than 75% of all emergency, urgent and virtual care spend, which exceeds older generations and may predict unprecedented future spend for HAC employers.
Despite the health implications that result from generational disparities, the report offers pathways for employers to help improve early identification, intervention and access to care while helping to minimize medical spend:
Understand the health care utilization rates of millennial employees and align benefits accordingly. Start by analyzing employee data — not only by generation — but also by market, gender, and any other available criteria. Then dive in to review a specific population to understand the root causes based on the unique needs of your employees.
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Implement disease prevention and lifestyle modification programs to delay the onset of chronic conditions while continuing to manage high-cost claimants. Foster healthy living by meeting employees where they are. Promote fitness programs by providing access to fitness facilities as well as virtual fitness courses. Encourage healthy eating campaigns by incorporating tips and resources that take into account both access and affordability of nutritious foods.
Educate employees on proactive and preventive solutions to avoid reactive emergency and urgent care. Since millennials don't generally see a primary care provider, help them understand the best and simplest ways to enter the healthcare system. Educate them on the importance of immunizations and other forms of preventive care, such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol screenings.
Prioritize behavioral health by supporting employee mental health and encouraging balance through workplace and lifestyle best practices. Working conditions and environments are
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Offer financial planning services and savings strategies for employees. High levels of financial stress can manifest through mental and physical symptoms, including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and a compromised immune system. Offer financial planning services, student loan repayment benefits, education funding strategies and debt management education to help build staff knowledge and confidence over time.
Bottom line: a well-managed plan can help increase health literacy, reduce risk, and decrease expensive hospitalizations and emergency visits.
Bottom line: a well-managed plan can help increase health literacy, reduce risk, and decrease expensive hospitalizations and emergency visits.
