Health and wellness programs: a long-term perspective

So, might just as well dive in.

From JPMorgan Compensation and Benefit Strategies:

http://www.jpmorgan.com/cm/cs?pagename=JPM_redesign/JPM_Content_C/Generic_Detail_Page_Template&cid=1159350132238&c=JPM_Content_C

Jun 12, 2008

This is an article about the "long term" benefits of sponsoring treatment management for high risk individuals. Note the quote from the CDC (emphasis mine):

"According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “chronic diseases account for more than 75% of the nation’s $2 trillion medical care costs.”^[2] Behavior determines approximately 50% of health status, and genetics and environment determine another 20% each. Access to care accounts for the remaining 10%.^[3]"

...and later:

"Of those studies that reported a cost benefit ratio, the average was $5.81 to $1.00 after about a three-and-a-half-year period."

Now, this focuses on a high-risk, high-cost set of people, so you mileage may vary, but this strongly points to programs and the companies who can implement them and operate them being able to take a fair amount off the table and still cause a net reduction in healthcare costs.

Amazing to think that 3 1/2 years is "long term".

Lots of nifty graphs for your presentations.