In 2016, Blue Cross plans spent $10,673 on those diagnosed with “major depression” compared to $4,283 on those without a depression diagnosis. Nearly 30% of those with major depression have four or more other chronic conditions such as diabetes or COPD, the Blue Cross analysis of claims shows. The insurer data shows the major depression diagnosis rate is 4.4% for commercially insured Blue Cross plan enrollees or about 9 million people. The depression diagnosis rate was about 6% for women and 2.8% for men in 2016 and is rising faster among younger Americans. “Major depression diagnoses are growing quickly, especially for adolescents and millennials,” Dr. Trent Haywood , Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's chief medical officer.

Source: Forbes May 10, 2018 12:00 UTC