Why Should State Legislators Be Concerned?
• Someone you know has arthritis. Nearly 46 million Americans (1 in 5 adults) suffer from arthritis. Arthritis cases are expected to increase to an estimated 67 million U.S. adults by 2030.1 • Arthritis is not limited solely to the aging population. Nearly two thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65,1 and an estimated 300,000 are children.2 • Arthritis affects women disproportionately. Over 28 million women suffer from arthritis, compared to approximately 18 million men.3 Arthritis Costs the Economy • Arthritis makes work difficult for millions. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability among Americans. One in 20 Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 has work limitations due to arthritis, and that number rises to 1 in 7 workers in some states.4 • Arthritis disproportionately affects the workforce. Work limitations due to arthritis are most common among older workers, women, African-Americans and individuals with lower education and income.5 • Arthritis treatmen
