Wellness program ROI calculator: does the program pay for itself?
Enter eligible employees, participation, program cost and the value you expect per participant to see the net result. Built for HR and finance teams weighing a wellness program.
Estimate the return on a wellness program.
The savings figures are your assumptions. Results are not guaranteed. The result updates as you type.
Vendor fees, platform fees and promotion.
Your assumption. Savings are not guaranteed.
Your assumption.
Your estimate
An illustration from your own assumptions, not a prediction. Many programs do not produce measurable claims savings.
What should a wellness program be judged on?
Cost is easy to measure. Benefit is not. Some programs aim to lower claims, some to raise engagement, and some to support recruiting and retention. Decide which goal matters most, then estimate the value of that goal in dollars. The calculator above lets you test how much value per participant is needed to cover the cost.
What rules apply to wellness incentives?
Programs that reward participation only are treated differently from programs that reward health outcomes. Outcome-based programs must meet federal requirements, and wellness programs also touch the ADA and GINA. Privacy rules apply to health information collected through a program. Counsel should review the design before launch.
Common questions
Is the break-even figure useful?
Yes. It shows the value each participant must create for the program to cover its cost, which is easier to judge than a single return figure.
Do wellness programs lower claims?
Results vary. Some programs show savings and others do not. Use conservative assumptions and test several scenarios.
Can we give a premium discount for participation?
Incentives are allowed within limits. The rules differ for participation-only and outcome-based programs, so review the design with counsel.
Who can help us choose a program?
We can help compare vendors and decide whether a program fits your plan and workforce.
Laws and rules referenced
29 C.F.R. § 2590.702(f) — Wellness program rules; incentive limits of 30% of the cost of coverage, or 50% for tobacco programs, in paragraph (f)(5).
42 U.S.C. § 12112(d) — Americans with Disabilities Act: limits on employer medical inquiries and exams, including in voluntary wellness programs.
42 U.S.C. § 2000ff-1(b) — Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act: genetic information may be requested only through voluntary wellness programs.
This tool gives estimates for education, not tax or legal advice. Rules change, so confirm your situation with a qualified advisor.
Talk to us about wellness and cost strategy
Book a 30-minute call and we will look at your claims, your goals and the programs that fit. Visit us at 41000 Woodward Avenue, Suite 350 East, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, or call 248.370.8853.
Unhappy With Your Current Broker?
Switching to CFH takes one signed letter. Your carrier, plan, ID cards and payroll deductions stay the same.
Related guides and tools.
Health and Cost Strategy
How we manage plan cost without cutting coverage.
Free Employer Benefits Tools
The full set of free calculators for employers.
What We Do
Everything we handle for employers.
Pet Insurance Value Calculator
Compare the premium with likely vet reimbursement.
Wellness Incentive Limit Calculator
See the most you can reward employees for wellness.
Hospital Indemnity Benefit Calculator
Compare a fixed hospital benefit with out-of-pocket cost.
An independent employee benefits consulting firm. We look at the entire benefits program — cost, plan performance, risk and administration.
Switch to CFH. Unhappy with your broker? Your employees won’t notice. You will. →