ACEs cost Ohio $10 billion a year in healthcare costs, new HPIO analysis finds

First-of-its kind analysis by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio has found that if adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are eliminated, more than $10 billion in annual healthcare and related expenses could be avoided in Ohio.

The analysis is included in a new HPIO policy brief, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Economic Impact of ACEs in Ohio. The study also found that focusing action on reducing ACEs, particularly those associated with behavioral health, can yield significant savings. For example, more than $4.5 billion in annual spending to treat depression in Ohio is attributable to ACEs.

“The research is clear that ACEs result in both significant health and economic impacts,” the brief states. “Economic costs from ACEs are incurred across the public and private sectors, including substantial costs to the healthcare system. The economic burden of ACEs also impacts the state child protection, behavioral health, criminal justice and education systems, as well as private sector businesses. By preventing and mitigating the impacts of ACEs, policymakers and others can put Ohio on a path towards improved health value.”

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.