Health Risk Reduction Programs in Employer-Sponsored Health Plans: Part I - Efficacy

Abstract:     
We sought to determine whether workplace health risk reduction programs (HRRPs) using health risk assessments (HRAs), individually focused risk reduction, and financial incentives succeeded in improving employee health and reducing employer health benefit costs. Methods: We reviewed the proprietary HRA available to us and conducted a literature review to determine the efficacy of HRRPs using HRAs, individualized employee interventions, and financial incentives for employee participation. Results: There is some evidence that HRRPs in employer-sponsored programs improve measures of employee health, but the results of these studies are somewhat equivocal. Conclusion: Employer-sponsored HRRPs may have some benefits, but problems in plan design and in the studies assessing their efficacy complicate drawing conclusions. (J Occup Environ Med. 2009;51:943–950)

Keywords: Occupational Health, Employee Benefits, Health Risk Assessment, Wellness Programs, Health Risk Reduction Programs

JEL Classifications: K31, K32

Accepted Paper Series