Spring / Summer 2026 | Policy 17
Toll Growing Faster than Expected:
$ 80 Billion
Previous estimates projected Parkinson’ s would cost $ 80 billion annually by 2037. This report shows that threshold has already been surpassed— over a decade early.
$ 58.4 Billion
Majority of Costs Are Non-medical:
Of the $ 82.2 billion total, the majority— $ 58.4 billion— came from indirect and non-medical costs, including lost wages and caregiving. The other $ 23.8 billion reflected direct medical costs( hospitalizations, medications and outpatient care).
Younger Americans Could Be Increasingly Affected:
The report found higher-than-expected incidence( the number of new diagnoses) among younger adults. While this finding warrants further study, earlier disease onset can mean greater lifetime productivity losses and decades of rising costs.
Government Pays Substantial Share:
Nearly 90 %
of direct medical costs are paid by federal programs, highlighting Parkinson’ s growing strain on the U. S. health care system and economy. In 2024, the federal government spent over $ 25 billion across Medicare, Medicaid and disability programs.
$ 8.3 Billion
Impact on Care Partners Is Significant:
Nearly 40 percent of people living with PD rely on unpaid care partners. In 2024, care partners experienced $ 8.3 billion in lost earnings and productivity as many reduced hours or left the workforce.