Objective: To study the association between summary health scores and health care costs in the following year.
Methods: Eligible employees (N = 20,662) completed a health assessment (HA) which provided an overall summary health score (THPS) and subscores for Modifiable Health Potential (MHPS), Quality of Life (QOLS), and Non-Modifiable Health Potential (NMHPS). Annual health care costs were predicted using ordinary least square regression models for THPS, MHPS, and QOLS.
Results: Single point increments in THPS, MHPS, and QOLS were associated with $14.00, $5.40, and $49.70 lower health care costs in the following year, respectively.
Conclusions: HA-derived lifestyle-related modifiable health factors as well as factors related to quality of life expressed as summary health scores are associated with health care costs in the following year.