The Case for Health Promotion Programs Containing Health Care Costs: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

A review is conducted of major studies dealing with the impact of work site health promotion programs on health care costs. Inconsistent results were produced due to measurement, design, and sampling problems. A study of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Indiana employees provided the best evidence of program-related health care cost reductions. Suggestions are made which, if implemented, should enable researchers to more confidently attribute cost reductions to health promotion program activities.