Recognizing Independence Blue Cross and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association on their 2019 Report that Investigates Increasing Health Concerns Impacting the Millennial Population.

WHEREAS, The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) published a study in April 2019 that compared the health of Millennials between the ages of 34-36 in 2017 to that of members of Generation X in 2014 between the ages of 34-36. The study concluded that Millennials are facing health challenges earlier than previous generations; and

WHEREAS, The prevalence rate for the top ten most common conditions affecting Millennials increased between 2014 and 2017. These concerns include behavioral health conditions affecting mental health and emotional well-being and physical health conditions affecting the cardiovascular, digestive, and endocrine systems; and

WHEREAS, The prevalence rate for eight of the top ten conditions affecting Millennials increased by double digits in recent years. Major depression, hyperactivity, and Type II Diabetes had the largest growth in prevalence; and

WHEREAS, The study indicated that Millennials were 11 percent less healthy compared to their counterparts in Generation X. Millennials in contrast to Generation X, saw an increase of 21% as it relates to cardiovascular conditions and a 15% increase in endocrine conditions, such as diabetes. The study also indicated that behavioral health conditions accounted for about 40% of adverse health conditions impacting the Millennial population; and

WHEREAS, The study further indicated that Millennials living in the northeast region of the United States, which Philadelphia is part of, tend to be less healthy overall compared to Millennials living in the western part of the country; and

WHEREAS, Based on the results of this study, Independence Blue Cross and BCBSA held a national event in Philadelphia in November 2019 to urge action and further research on the adverse health concerns affecting the Millennial population. The health status of millennials may also have substantial effects on the American economy over the next two decades, specifically impacting workplace productivity and rising healthcare costs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize Independence Blue Cross and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association on their 2019 report that investigates increasing health concerns impacting the Millennial population,

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Independence Blue Cross and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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