You may remember my recent vow to review my health plan options this year. Instead of talking about what I should do, I’ve decided to actually do something. In the past I was entirely too lazy to weigh my options. This year I truthfully just want to make the best decision I can based on my personal health conditions. And open enrollment is the perfect time to consider my options.
I know that obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure can lead directly to significantly higher out-of-pocket costs. These conditions fall into the category of manageable health conditions. I am dealing with one of these. I know you cannot manage what you do not know exists. You have to be aware of your status. As a big proponent of the diminishing practice of preventive medicine, I find that the results of a recent three-year Cigna® study are further proof that we have to search for a health plan that allows us to know and track our health baselines. The key findings of the study include:
How a handful of correctable health conditions contribute to the health care costs of Americans
Those with unhealthy biometrics – and those who have not completed biometric screening measures – are more likely to incur high costs
I believe that I’ve been able to manage my health because I know what my biometrics are (this includes cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). With this knowledge, I am able to monitor my issues in conjunction with my doctor. The Cigna study established that employer-offered health improvement programs and incentives also help reduce medical costs.
This infographic visually shares these more eye-opening findings:
A body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 increases total health care costs by an average of more than $2,460 per customer per year, and adds $492 in annual out-of-pocket costs.
A cholesterol reading of more than 240 translates into an average total health care cost increase of $1,644 per health plan customer per year, and adds more than $353 in annual out-of-pocket costs.
Two or more chronic conditions indicated by unhealthy BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar raises annual out-of-pocket expense by almost $1,300 per year, and total healthcare costs by nearly $9,000 per year.
In one ear and out the other, right? There is so much information coming at us from so many directions that a lot of it is bound not to stick. So while I knew that there were dangers associated with high BMIs, I did not know that incentive programs that encourage participation in biometric screenings help us to engage in healthier behaviors, and they improve clinical outcomes and costs.
In that regard, this is what the Cigna study found:
Incentives more than doubled biometric screening rates from 20 percent to 55 percent in 2014
Incentives increase the probability of engaging in a health coaching program by 24% and by 30% for populations who have chronic conditions
Incentives significantly increase the probably of setting and meeting goals with a health coach, by 18% and 43% respectively
Incentives increase the probability of meeting biometric targets:
BMI less than 30 – an improvement of nearly 36 percent
Total cholesterol less than 240 – an improvement of nearly 11 percent
Blood pressure less than 140/90 – an improvement of more than 47 percent
Incentives reduced total medical costs by approximately 10% for those 50+ years of age or with chronic conditions
I’ve certainly made simple health adjustments because I wear a tech watch. It helps to keep me honest about my level of activity. So I am in agreement with the study’s findings that knowing your biometric numbers can make a big difference in your health.
Go to the Know Your Benefits site to learn more on how to navigate your benefits.
Take a look at the following prevention video for more information.
This article is sponsored by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. This article is for educational purposes only and is intended to promote consumer health. It is not intended as financial or medical advice and you should always consult a professional for financial or medical advice. I was compensated for this post. However, all opinions are my own.
Leave a Reply