health care costs in the United States?

I'd definitely check out the link Harris provided.

In addition to that, here's an article from September of 2012 that might be of interest to you:
- http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2012/09/12/u-s-workforce-illness...

What do you think about the statistics listed in the Forbes article? Are they similar to other sources you've looked into?

Hello Larry,
Here is another helpful link:

http://www.ssa.gov/history/pdf/RowlandandLyons.pdf

I Hope This Helps!
Michael

Hello Larry Gruber,

You've got a lot of great suggestions to read. Does illness include back problems?
Take care.