Lower health care costs could come to senior HMO customers

Are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) known for excellent access to affordable health care? Not likely, according to many people I have spoken with in recent years. While the "affordable" part of the equation may be true, the "quality" part is not. But, according to a new study, HMO participants could save money but participating in exercise programs.

But, what is HMOs gave the opportunity for customers to participate in a subsidized community-based exercise program? Would that help lessen the health care costs since this would most likely mean healthier clients? Probably so.

Dr. Huong Q. Nguyen -- of the University of Washington, in Seattle, Washington -- said that "these findings warrant additional investigations to determine whether policies to offer and promote a community-based physical activity benefit in older adults with diabetes can reduce health care costs."