Are Work site Health Promotion Programs Cost-Effective?
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that comprehensive work site health promotion programs, or Corporate Wellness Program, can lower health care and insurance costs, decrease absenteeism, and improve performance and productivity. Health Care and Insurance Costs A number of studies provide evidence of lower medical and insurance costs for participants in health promotion programs, particularly programs involving exercise. For $30 per person, the Bank of America conducted a health promotion program for retirees using a risk assessment questionnaire, self-care books and other mailed materials. Insurance claims were reduced an average of $164 per year in this group while they increased $15 for the control group. Since they were able to document significant changes in risk behavior, they anticipate greater savings in future years. Pacific Bell’s FitWorks participants claim $300 less per case for a one year savings of $700,000. Savings for conditions related to a sedentary lifestyle are $72
