Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients under age 65: utilization and costs from a managed care sample.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects all adult age groups, not just elderly males. We assessed the health care utilization and cost impact of COPD in different age groups. We compared burden of illness, utilization, and charges for younger versus older COPD patients and versus age- and gender-matched controls. A total of 16.9% of patients with COPD were under age 65. Patients with COPD (n=19,338) had higher comorbidity than age-matched controls (n=94,384) across all age groups. Younger patients with COPD had lower comorbidity scores and fewer hospitalizations but more COPD-related emergency services than older patients with COPD. Average COPD-related charges were higher for younger patients. Facility-based care was the cost driver across all age groups. COPD is a burden to younger individuals in the workforce, who are likely to be enrolled in a commercial health plan.