According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of all adults—117 million people—in the United States have one or more chronic illnesses.¹ In addition, persons with chronic illness account for more than 85% of total health care expenditures.² The demands of chronic illness care place a heavy burden on patients and families to effectively self-manage, to interact consistently and productively with the health care system, and to make lifestyle decisions that promote health.