The effect of participation in a Fitness Rewards Program on medical care expenditures in an employee population

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Jean M AbrahamNathan Barleen

Abstract

In 2008, the University of Minnesota began offering the Fitness Rewards Program (FRP) that provides a monthly credit toward fitness center dues for individuals who exercise at a participating facility at least 8 times per month. This study evaluates whether participation in the FRP is associated with a decrease in medical spending. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we estimate multivariate regression models of average monthly medical expenditures for 2006 through 2008. We find positive benefits from reduced medical spending among highly persistent FRP exercisers. However, the results are sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of individuals who had very high medical expenditures in any year. Offering exercise-focused wellness initiatives may have economic benefits for employers, but further research is needed to understand the sensitivity of results to the inclusion of outliers.

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Citations

Jan 14, 2016·Population Health Management·Jessica Navratil-StrawnRonald J Ozminkowski
Nov 10, 2013·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·Daniel D MaengSteven R Steinhubl
Jun 5, 2013·Physiotherapy Canada. Physiothérapie Canada·Douglas P Gross
Jul 13, 2018·American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP·Jessica M TullarBenjamin C Amick
Feb 6, 2021·Public Health Reports·Nilay UnsalDaniel Bibeau

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