Austin (KXAN) — Premiums continue to rise, and Texas pays more than people in other states.
The findings come from a new report from the Commonwealth Fund that supports independent research on healthcare issues.
The Texans were found to spend more than 14.2% of their median income on premium contributions and deductions. In 2020, it totaled $ 9,311.
In 2010, health insurance accounted for 12.7% of Texas’ median income.
“Texas are doubly at a disadvantage. They pay more on average for premiums and deductions, and on average their median income is slightly lower,” Commonwealth said. Sara Collins, Vice President of the Wealth Fund, said.
We pay an average of $ 6,950 a year for family compensation in Texas only.It’s 9th It is the highest state cost in the country, nearly $ 1,000 more than the average $ 5,978.
Fees continue to rise as healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies charge more than ever, according to Collins.
“The main reason for these rising costs is the amount of money the provider pays for these services, so the amount the hospital charges for the service, the amount the doctor charges for the service,” she said. Said.
When it comes to what can be done to reduce costs, Collins points out some provisions of the Buildback Better Act.
“The buildback better bill currently under consideration in Congress will actually allow more people with expensive employer plans to be covered in the market,” she said. “If you donate more than 8.5% of your income to insurance premiums and participate in your employer’s plans, you may be eligible for market subsidies.”
Collins also said it included provisions to give Medicaid-qualified employees access to public market options in Texas.
The Build Back Better Act has passed the House of Representatives, but has passed the US Senate. President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party have been working to get Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia to support the bill and go through a reconciliation process that requires only 51 votes.
