Chronic health issues cost Kentucky

Kentucky could save up to $10 million in 2008, and millions more in the future, by increasing the participation of state workers and retirees in chronic disease management programs, according to a study by accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. But officials say that's a challenging task because the Kentucky Employees Health Plan covers 260,000 people living in many locations. The study was conducted on behalf of the board that oversees state health insurance plans, and said up to $10 million could be saved next year if just 2,000 members with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease could be added to disease-management programs. That amount is 1% of the $1 billion the plan spends annually on medical claims and administrative costs.