• 13 May 2009

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Employee Wellness Programs Generated a Positive Return on Investment

Thomson Reuters determined the return on investment (ROI) for the Highmark employee wellness programs implemented in 2002. In our results, we estimated healthcare expenses per program participant were $176 lower per year than for non-participant, resulting in an ROI of $1.65 for every program dollar spent.  More recently, our team evaluated the return on investment (ROI) for Highmark Inc.’s employee wellness program. Growth curve analyses compared medical claims for participants of wellness programs versus risk-matched non-participants for years 2001 to 2005. The difference was used to define savings. ROI was determined by subtracting program costs from savings and alternative discount rates were applied in a sensitivity analysis. Using sophisticated methodology, this study provided further support that a comprehensive health promotion program can lower the rate of health care cost increases and produce a positive ROI.