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High Uninsured Rate in Dallas Pushing Employer Premiums Higher

May 20, 2010

HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a Nashville, Tenn.-based provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that the high uninsured rate in the Dallas, Texas, area is contributing to an increase in premiums employers pay to provide health benefits for their employees.

According to the Dallas Market Overview, the high uninsured rate in the market is increasing levels of uncompensated care in area hospitals, which leads hospitals to pressure health plans for higher reimbursements to help them balance some of the losses associated with caring for the uninsured. Such reimbursement increases are among the escalating costs that drive premiums higher.

The uninsured rate in the Dallas market is 24 percent as of July 2009. According to U.S. Census data, Texas leads the nation in the percentage of uninsured residents at 25 percent.

Efforts to lower medical costs are emerging throughout the region, and include the development of patient-centered medical homes, a regional health information exchange and wellness programs, according to the report.

Source: HealthLeaders-InterStudy

Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance

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Latest Comments

  • May 21, 2010 at 8:16 am
    MR says:
    Congress and this administration rammed this down the American Peoples throat without thinking of the consequences. They will bankrupt the country because they seek to cover ... read more
  • May 20, 2010 at 2:28 am
    TXun says:
    The city of Dallas has a large population of poor…and there is the illegal immigrant issue. Also contributing to the problem: uninsureds from outside Dallas County who ... read more
  • May 20, 2010 at 1:06 am
    MR says:
    If the Dallas area is increasing premiums due to the uninsured, just wait until Obamacare kicks in. Employers won't be able to afford anything. Those with 50+ employees will... read more

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