A new study shows that high unisured rates in Dallas are behind healthcare premium increases in the area.
A Dallas market overview conducted by HealthLeaders-InterStudy found that hospitals are facing increasing levels of uncompensated care, causing them in turn to pressure health plans for higher reimbursements to help balance the losses.
The report found that 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 U.S. Census data, Texas leads the nation in the rate of uninsured residents, at 25 percent.
"The high level of uninsured residents in the Dallas market is a key factor driving premium increases for employers in this region," said HealthLeaders-InterStudy analyst Deborah White.
"Because of these premium increases, employers will likely shift more health insurance costs to employees via high-deductible health plans and look to implement cost-saving initiatives such as employee wellness programs and worksite health clinics," she said.