- Posted
- February 16, 2021
Elimination of ACEs could save Ohio more than $10 billion a year, new HPIO analysis finds
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – First-of-its-kind analysis by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio estimates that more than $10 billion in annual healthcare and related spending could be avoided in Ohio if exposure to adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, was eliminated.
The analysis is included in a new HPIO policy brief, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Economic Impact of ACEs in Ohio, which also found that economic costs associated with ACEs extend beyond health impacts. ACEs exposure results in economic burdens to individuals, families and society, including impacts on both the public and private sectors. For example, $319 million in lost wages could be prevented annually if exposure to ACEs was eliminated.
“These numbers are conservative estimates of the economic costs of ACEs, focused primarily on health care and lost productivity,” said Amy Rohling McGee, president of HPIO. “The total costs of ACEs exposure are likely significantly higher. If Ohio were successful in avoiding even 10% of the costs attributable to ACEs, more than $1 billion in spending could be saved each year.”
ACEs are “potentially traumatic events” that occur during childhood (ages 0-17). They can generally be grouped into three categories: abuse, household challenges and neglect.
“The research is clear that ACEs result in both significant health and economic impacts,” the brief states. “The economic burden of ACEs also impacts the state child protection, behavioral health, criminal justice and education systems, as well as private sector businesses.”
“State policymakers, community leaders and others can use these findings to develop a comprehensive plan that prevents and mitigates the impact of ACEs, improves the overall health and well-being of Ohioans and prevents billions of dollars in annual spending across Ohio's public and private sectors,” McGee said.
The brief is the second in three planned briefs as part of HPIO’s Ohio ACEs Impact Project. In August 2020, HPIO released the first brief, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Health impact of ACEs in Ohio.
For questions about the brief, or if you would like to talk with the authors of the report, please call or text Nick Wiselogel at 614.530.9918 or email nwiselogel@hpio.net.
