How to cut healthcare costs - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 05-22-2007, 05:20 PM

http://www.startribune.com/1244/story/1197828.html

Quote:

Staying in shape cuts health costs, study says

Plan members enrolled in fitness programs had fewer doctor visits and hospital stays.

By David Phelps, Star Tribune

That better health goes with better fitness might be stating the obvious, but Minnesota's largest insurers and fitness centers now have numbers to do the talking.

For Medica clients who used Life Time Fitness facilities at least eight times a month in the past two years, hospital and clinic claims declined by 64.3 percent, physician claims dropped by 13 percent and claims for prescription drugs decreased by 9.2 percent, according to a study released Monday by Medica and Life Time.

Participants in Blue Cross' Blue Print for Health fitness center discount program also had lower claim costs and fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

"It's always nice when facts match your intuition," said Dr. Charles Fazio, Medica's chief medical officer. "We're seeing people use health care less."

HealthPartners has a similar incentive program called Frequent Fitness. It is conducting a study of claims activity by program members but does not have conclusive numbers yet.

Both Medica and Blue Cross offer fitness plan participants a $20 monthly rebate on their fitness center membership fees if they use the facility at least eight times a month. Medica's fitness center partnership is with Life Time. Blue Cross' fitness network includes national chains and independent centers.

The Medica findings are based on a study of 3,249 members who belonged to the insurer's Fit Choices program. The Fit Choices participants were compared to a similar size non-Fit Choices group with comparable demographics, health status and health care consumption habits.

Among that group, the Medica study found, there were 63.6 percent more visits to hospitals, 105 percent more visits to emergency rooms and 43.3 percent more visits to outpatient facilities. Over the two-year life of the study, fit Medica members had average monthly claims of $219.97 while the average monthly claims of the other group was 50 percent higher at $331.16.

"The value and economic impact of physical fitness is significant, especially in light of more consumer-driven health plans," said Glen Gunderson, a vice president for Life Time. "This is a heckuva motivation."

Members of the Blue Cross fitness plan experienced claim costs that were 17.8 percent lower than non-participants. Emergency room visits occurred 38.7 percent less often and hospital admissions were 41.4 percent lower. Blue Cross also found that 43 percent of those surveyed joined a health club to get the discount.

Blue Cross found that nearly two-thirds of those who signed up for the discount program live within 2 miles of a participating fitness center while those who didn't lived at least 3½ miles from the nearest center.

"The biggest surprise to me was the tight correlation between participation and proximity to the club," said Shawn Patterson, Blue Cross marketing vice president. "I guess that's why there's a McDonald's on every corner."

Dee8go · #2 05-22-2007, 08:20 PM

Here, here or is it "Hear, hear?"

I'm all in favor of prevention as opposed intervention. Isn't it amazing how astounding "Stating the obvious can be?"

The Swede · #3 05-22-2007, 08:26 PM

We switched to Medica, coverage commences June 1. Not so sure I'll join a health club however. That Lifetime is a hike (the one by Costco) in St. Louis Park.

Kuan · #4 05-22-2007, 08:56 PM

It's hard to believe. Go workout at least eight times a week and reduce claims by 50 percent? I'd take it.

The Swede · #5 05-22-2007, 09:02 PM

Eight times/month, I think that's what you meant.

Kuan · #6 05-22-2007, 09:10 PM

Yeah eight times a month.

The Swede · #7 05-22-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Yeah eight times a month.

I wonder how they classify "use"? Weights, spinning class, stair climber, 30 laps in the pool?

Kuan · #8 05-23-2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

I wonder how they classify "use"? Weights, spinning class, stair climber, 30 laps in the pool?

I dunno. Whatever it is, it seems to work.

Chas H · #9 05-22-2007, 11:40 PM

No matter how many times a week you work out, your insurance premiums will continue to increase. The only way to cut your health care costs is to die.
Ron Paul says he'll tax your health care costs by about 23%. That'll get him elected.

Kuan · #10 05-23-2007, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chas H

No matter how many times a week you work out, your insurance premiums will continue to increase. The only way to cut your health care costs is to die.
Ron Paul says he'll tax your health care costs by about 23%. That'll get him elected.

So we give up because it's a financial dead end for consumers?

Chas H · #11 05-23-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

So we give up because it's a financial dead end for consumers?

No, you still work out because your health will benefit. But don't think it's gonna reduce your insurance premiums. In many states, insurance premiums can be increased as one gets older. Here in PA, the legislators allowed a change in the way premiums are determined and my premium went from $175/mo to $325/mo overnite because of my age.

Trakehner · #12 05-23-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chas H

No, you still work out because your health will benefit. But don't think it's gonna reduce your insurance premiums. In many states, insurance premiums can be increased as one gets older. Here in PA, the legislators allowed a change in the way premiums are determined and my premium went from $175/mo to $325/mo overnite because of my age.

Well, how old are you? Did you turn 50 ? That's a big jump

Kuan · #13 05-23-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trakehner

Well, how old are you? Did you turn 50 ? That's a big jump

Yeah you gotta pay for that lovely scope ya know.

Chas H · #14 05-23-2007, 09:27 AM

I am 61. That increase in premiums due to demographics came about 4 years ago. Up to that time everyone in the group -I bought my insurance thru the Chamber of Commerce- payed the same monthly premium.