Rheumatoid Arthritis Drives Higher Healthcare Costs and Lowers Quality of Life in U.S. Adults

A recent study published in ACR Open Rheumatology shows that U.S. adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) incur higher healthcare costs and experience a reduced quality of life compared to those without the condition. These findings highlight the financial and health-related challenges associated with RA.

Researchers, led by Yinan Huang, Ph.D., from the University of Mississippi, analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2018-2020) to assess the economic and humanistic impact of RA in U.S. adults. The study found that individuals with RA had an average increase of $3,382 in annual healthcare costs compared to those without the condition, largely due to prescription medications. RA patients also had lower scores on the Short Form 12 Health Survey, indicating declines in both physical and mental health. Additionally, people with RA were more than twice as likely to require assistance with daily and instrumental activities.

These findings are relevant to healthcare providers, who should consider the broader impacts of RA on patients' quality of life when making treatment decisions. Managed care professionals and payers should also recognize the significant costs associated with RA, particularly those linked to prescription medications.

By highlighting both the economic and quality-of-life challenges of RA, this research underscores the importance of acknowledging the multifaceted burden of this chronic condition.