Health risk appraisal essential for medical cost savings
The savings gained from participation in health promotion programs for Medicare beneficiaries. Ozminkowski RJ, Goetzel RZ, Wang F, Gibson TB, Shechter D, Musich S, et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2006. 48: 1125-1132.
Aim
To estimate the savings in medical costs incurred by Medicare beneficiaries through use of a health promotion strategy.
Looked at
59,324 retired employees (and their dependents) of a large US-based company who between 1996 and 2002 participated in one or more health promotion programs.
How?
Medical costs year on year and health risk status of this population were compared with individuals who did not participate in any health promotion programs.
Health promotion programs include:
- Health risk appraisal (HRA)
- On-site biometric screenings
- Telephone-based lifestyle management consulting
- Educational classes offered at the worksite
Results
-
Healthcare expenditure was lower for those who took the HRA than for those who didn't participate in any health program, and lower again for those who also took part in an intervention.
Health promotion strategy
Average annual savings in
medical costs (US$)*
HRA only
408
HRA and one other program component
442
HRA and two other program components
569
*Compared with nonparticipating individuals.
What does this mean?
An HRA is a key aspect of a health promotion program and when incorporated can have a considerable positive impact on financial savings in medical costs.