In Brief: IHS Self-Study Focuses On Wellness Program

A study by Chicago-based firm Interactive Health Solutions found a correlation between the use of a wellness program and reduced healthcare costs.

However, there is a catch: The study focused exclusively on IHS wellness clients, which were compared against a control group that did not use a wellness program. Another firm, Zoe Consulting, performed the study, using two years of medical claims data.

According to the data, those enrolled in IHS wellness program included an average 6.1% reduction in medical cost trends and a 13.5% reduction among those enrollees with chronic conditions. Overall, 85% of those participating in wellness programs maintained their health without any deterioration.