COPD in the working age population: the economic impact on both patients and government

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the full economic impact, on both patients and government, as a result of COPD in the working age population.

Methods: The economic impact of COPD due to medical treatment, impaired productivity and early retirement was assessed in a cross sectional cost analysis of the Dutch COPD population aged 45-64 years. The costing year was 2009 and input parameters were derived from both national data sources and the international COPD uncovered survey.

Results: While direct medical costs for COPD patients of working age were relatively low (€ 91 million), the amount of lost productivity (income) due to early retirement (€ 223 million) exceeded over two times their medical costs. In addition, costs for the government were considerable because of lost tax revenues (€ 77 million) and COPD related disability pensions paid (€ 180 million). Apart from lost productivity due to early retirement, costs due to impaired productivity for working COPD patients were € 63 million.

Conclusions: The costs of COPD for both patients of working age as for the government were considerable, making this population a priority for prevention and intervention programs of healthcare providers, employers and government.