Nearly half the U.S. population copes with a chronic disease or condition. A chronic disease is "one lasting three months or more that generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication." Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity are the most common chronic diseases in developed countries. By 2030, it is estimated that one hundred seventy-one million U.S. citizens will have been affected by at least one chronic illness. Learning is integral to coping with chronic illness. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the role of adult learning in coping with chronic disease. The author reviews select studies that discuss learning related to chronic illness. An investigation of patient education studies follows. Last, the author provides recommendations for health educators.