Work

A retrospective claims analysis of the association between residential greenness and per capita healthcare costs among fee-for-service Medicare patients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Nature amenities in everyday environments have been shown to improve health, which may translate to healthcare cost savings. We examined the association between residential greenness (mean NDVI measured at the census tract level) and healthcare costs in a longitudinal (2008–2015) study of Medicare expenditures among fee-for-service (FFS) clients (ages 65+; n = 275,000) across the US. We used generalized linear models to estimate differences in average annual healthcare costs across levels of residential greenness, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Average annual claim totals were $957.30 (USD) lower (95% CI: -$1,379.80, -$534.80) for participants living in the most green compared to the least green areas. Sensitivity analyses among long-duration residents showed similar associations. While there are many costs associated with greening neighborhoods, as well as other barriers, these efforts could potentially lead to cost savings in the US on healthcare expenditures.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-29574-5

Authors: Michelle C. Kondo, Ava-Clare Steed, Norman J. Johnson, Anneclaire J. De Roos

Institutions: US Forest Service, Northern Research Station, University of Illinois Chicago, United States Census Bureau, Drexel University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290