TrumpCare Revealed Today

[cadylou]

Wellness programs and incentives have been studied for at least 30 years and the conclusion is, they have no impact on overall claims and premiums. At the individual level the numbers are different. When individuals take responsibility for their personal health, regardless of the motivation, their health improves resulting in lower overall expenditures.

Well, they should do it on their own dime then.

 

[somarco]

they should do it on their own dime then.

I agree. But carrier still promote them in hopes SOME people will have early detection, or make lifestyle changes, that reduce claims for those individuals.

Cost of wellness is minimal. Eliminating from premiums would have a negligible effect. Often the cost is borne by the employer as an enticement to abandon low deductible copay plans in favor of high deductible HRA or HSA plans.

Before women had "free" mammograms a study found an unwillingness to have the annual exam if the cost exceeded $20. IOW, if the exam was less than $20 more women would have them while participation dropped off dramatically over $20 and went to almost zero above $50.

 

[cadylou]

I agree. But carrier still promote them in hopes SOME people will have early detection, or make lifestyle changes, that reduce claims for those individuals. Cost of wellness is minimal. Eliminating from premiums would have a negligible effect. Often the cost is borne by the employer as an enticement to abandon low deductible copay plans in favor of high deductible HRA or HSA plans. Before women had "free" mammograms a study found an unwillingness to have the annual exam if the cost exceeded $20. IOW, if the exam was less than $20 more women would have them while participation dropped off dramatically over $20 and went to almost zero above $50.

so you're talking about employer based insurance--I thought you meant in the individual market.

 

[somarco]

Wellness programs do not have a significant impact on claims whether group or individual.

 

[yorkriver1]

Wellness programs do not have a significant impact on claims whether group or individual.

We will need some time to create a tipping point of the connection between healthy behavior and personal medical costs.

HSA type arrangements will help, much as some complain.

 

[cadylou]

Wellness programs do not have a significant impact on claims whether group or individual.

But you stated that the cost of those programs would be borne by the employer. Who bears that cost in the individual market? I say provide wellness "riders" that include a bevy of benefits like gym memberships & allow those interested to buy them as an add on. I'm sick of paying for all of the comprehensive programs for everyone - even when they have no intention or desire to use them.

 

[somarco]

We will need some time to create a tipping point of the connection between healthy behavior and personal medical costs.

More often the tipping point comes with a doctor visit. "If you don't do this you will die".

Who bears that cost in the individual market?

If the IFP plan has wellness incentives it is baked into premium.