Association between changes in health risk status and changes in future health care costs: a multiemployer study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the influence of health risk change on changes in health care costs.


METHODS
Multivariate regression models examined change in health care costs concurrent with and following completion of two health assessments (HAs) approximately 1 year apart. Final models examined changes in costs for individuals with and without chronic conditions.


RESULTS
After controlling for chronic condition status, health risk changes between the first and second HA were associated with health care cost changes in the year following the second HA. Those with chronic conditions experienced reductions of $129 for each risk reduced and increases of $210 for each risk added.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in health care costs were preceded by changes in health risk status, supporting the use of HA and biometric screening measures as leading indicators of the cost impact of health management programs.
Towers Watson, New York, USA.
Steven
S
Nyce
Jessica
J
Grossmeier
David R
DR
Anderson
Paul E
PE
Terry
Bruce
B
Kelley
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006293:Health Promotion; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016272:Occupational Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management; D055815:Young Adult