Highlights
- 40 million Americans experience daily limitations due to a serious illness. The number will continue to grow as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age.
- The potentially devastating effects of serious illnesses can be mitigated by thoughtful planning and development of an advance care plan.
- Medical care for serious illness is very expensive. The sickest 5% of the population cost half of health care dollars.
- Palliative care offers person-centered and holistic care to a person living with serious illness, without sacrificing access to medical treatments.