Health Club Benefits and Lower Health Care Costs for Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Nguyen Huong Q, Ackermann Ronald T, Maciejewski Matthew, Berke Ethan, Patrick Marsha, Williams Barbara, LoGerfo James P
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
Is there an association between the use of a health plan-sponsored health club benefit by older adults and total health care costs over 2 years?
Conclusion
Regular use of a health club benefit was associated with slower growth in total health care costs in the long term but not in the short term.
Supporting Evidence
- Silver Sneakers participants had significantly fewer inpatient admissions and lower total health care costs in year 2 compared to controls.
- Participants who averaged at least two health club visits per week incurred at least $1252 less in health care costs in year 2 than those who visited less frequently.
- Adjusted total health care costs for Silver Sneakers participants and controls did not differ significantly in year 1.
Takeaway
Older adults who go to the gym more often can save money on health care costs over time.
Methodology
This retrospective cohort study used administrative and claims data from a Medicare Advantage plan, comparing health care costs of participants using a health club benefit to matched controls.
Potential Biases
Participants in the health club program may have had better health behaviors and access to preventive services than controls.
Limitations
The study design is observational, which may introduce residual confounding or selection bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 65 or older, with a higher proportion of males in the health club group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < .001
Confidence Interval
−500 (−892 to −106)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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