New Independent Study Shows Significant Medical Claims Cost Reductions from Hello Heart’s Digital Cardiovascular Health Program

Research finds ROI of 3.9-to-1 per enrolled Hello Heart member compared to matched non-members

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new report underscores the significant financial benefit of Hello Heart’s digital heart health program for self-insured employers and their covered members. The study, titled, “Hello Heart: Claims Cost Impact of Digital Heart Health Program,” found that employers experienced an average reduction of $1,434 in medical costs per member per year (PMPY) for Hello Heart program participants compared to matched non-participants.

The independent analysis performed by Aon, a professional services firm, evaluated data from three Hello Heart employer clients, examining medical spend 12 months pre-engagement and 6 months post-intervention and during the period from January 2021 through July 2024. Researchers leveraged Aon’s proprietary member-level Cost Efficiency Measurement (CEM) to match Hello Heart participants to the most similar non-participants from the same employer client based on demographic, geographic, medical diagnosis, and/or medical spend profile.

Key Findings

1. Significant Cost Reductions: Hello Heart participants demonstrated an average of $1,434 PMPY reductions in total medical costs compared to non-participants.
   
   
2. Reductions by Condition: Hello Heart participants achieved cost reductions across the most prevalent conditions analyzed, with the greatest reductions observed for those with cardiovascular disease ($15,193 PMPY), diabetes ($5,343 PMPY), and hypertension ($2,499 PMPY).
   
   
3. Reductions Across All Age Groups: Participants across all age groups achieved cost reductions, with the largest reductions observed in the 40-49 age group at $1,986 PMPY.
   
   
4. Greater Returns for High-Risk Individuals: Reductions were achieved across all baseline spending groups, although participants in higher baseline spending and risk groups generated the greatest cost reductions, further amplifying the financial impact for employers.
   
   
5. Utilization Trends: Hello Heart participants experienced decreased use of inpatient and emergency services but increased utilization of preventive services and office visits. This highlights a shift away from costly acute care episodes toward proactive health management.

Leanne Metcalfe, PhD, SVP, Commercial Analytics at Aon and lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the findings for employers and health plans. “This analysis shows Hello Heart’s program not only improved the health of their users but also delivered tangible financial benefits to their employer groups,” she said. “The findings demonstrate significant reductions in medical claim spend trends for participants, especially those with cardiometabolic conditions.”

“Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. and one of the biggest drivers of healthcare costs,” added Edo Paz, MD, SVP, Medical Affairs at Hello Heart. “Hello Heart gives people the tools to identify and manage their risk factors, like high blood pressure, that are known to drive costly acute care interventions. By empowering people to manage their heart risk proactively, we can profoundly impact both clinical and financial outcomes.”

These findings are reinforced by a recent peer-reviewed study in Value in Health that found significant cost savings for employers that offer the Hello Heart program.

About Hello Heart

Hello Heart is on a mission to change the way people care for their hearts. The company provides the first connected heart monitor, pill box, and mobile app to help people track and manage their heart health and get real-time insights. With Hello Heart, people can take steps to control their risk of heart attacks and stroke – the leading cause of death in the United States. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that high-risk users of Hello Heart have seen meaningful drops in blood pressure, cholesterol and even weight.

Recognized as the digital leader in preventive heart health, Hello Heart is trusted by more than 150 leading Fortune 500 and government employers, national health plans, and labor organizations including 3M, Lenovo, Northwestern Mutual, and the City of Fort Worth. Hello Heart clients can save $1,709 per enrolled user annually according to a peer-reviewed study published in leading health economics journal Value In Health.

Founded in 2013, Hello Heart has raised more than $138 million from top venture firms including Khosla Ventures, IVP, and Stripes. Hello Heart is a best-in-class solution on the American Heart Association’s Innovators’ Network, CVS Health Point Solutions Management offering, and many other leading health solution platforms. Visit www.helloheart.com for more information.