Original Article Cost Analysis of a Novel Interdisciplinary Model for Advanced Illness Management

Purpose: This research project evaluated cost outcomes for patients in the @HOMe Support program, a novel interdisciplinary home-based program for patients and caregivers facing advanced illness drawing on the Chronic Care Model. Methods: Cost analysis involved paired sample t-tests to examine pre–post differences in health care expenditures obtained from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) claims data for program participants. Results: Average 6-month costs per month significantly declined for patients older than 65 years of age from 1 HMO (US$9300-US$5900, P .001). Evaluation of the second HMO showed that patients less than 65 years of age with lower preentry costs (<70 000) had a nonsignificant decline in total costs (US$18 787-US$13 781, P .08). Conclusions: Study findings suggest @HOMe Support is associated with reductions in the use and cost for most health services over time