Study shows that more workers in Texas are gaining health insurance coverage from their employers
A new study from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Episcopal Health Foundation has found that more people in Texas have employer-sponsored health insurance coverage. Many had been concerned that they would lose their sponsored covered due to some of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. This has not been the case, however, as employers have opted to continue providing health insurance coverage for their workers.
68% of workers now receive coverage from their employers
The study shows that 68% of workers in the state are now receiving health insurance coverage from their employers. This is an increase of 1% over how many workers had employer-sponsored coverage in 2013, before the Affordable Care Act took full effect. Low-income workers are the largest group that has gained coverage from their employers. The study shows that approximately 40% of these people now receive employer-sponsored coverage, up from the 35% of those that received sponsored coverage in 2013.
Insurance coverage remains too expensive for some consumers
Many large employers appear to be increasing their offers of health insurance coverage in order to avoid paying fines associated with the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Workers are finding it easier to purchase coverage through an employer health plan rather than shop for policies through the state’s insurance exchange and the private market. Health insurance is still quite expensive for many consumers, however, and Texas is leading the nation when it comes to its uninsured population.
Approximately 55% of low-income workers without health insurance say that coverage is too expensive. The cost of health insurance policies has been growing relatively quickly in the state, with insurers raising premiums in order to overcome financial losses. Some insurers have reported facing more frequent claims due to the fact that more people now have access to health insurance and they are using their coverage more regularly. For those that cannot afford insurance in the conventional fashion, they may be able to find financial support for policies they purchase through state-based exchanges.
