Lower health costs benefit both the employer and the employee. If health costs are lower, employers may pass a smaller percentage of the bill on to workers. In a case study of large companies, total medical spending at a company with an employee wellness program experienced slower growth in health costs than companies without a program. Employees saw meaningful reductions in chronic disease risk factors; and average annual savings per employee were $565 (in 2009 dollars), producing a return on investment equal to a range of approximately $2 to $4 saved per dollar spent on the program.
Another study estimated health care expenses were less expensive per person per year across several areas. For example, total costs were $176 lower for health program participants, and inpatient hospitalization expenses were lower by $182. Over four years, the program produced a return on investment of $1.65 for every dollar spent on the program.