OPEN MINDS, The Behavioral Health & Social Service Industry Analyst Industry News The care of people with a chronic illness accounts for more than 75% of all U.S. health care expenditures. Medicare spending on chronic conditions varies by state and is accelerating in regions already using amounts of care higher than the national average. In 2003, health care providers used an average of 13.6% more intensive care unit beds than in 2000. Physician labor used to manage chronic illnesses increased on average to 13.4% for medical specialists and . . .