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Definition:  A pool of money that is at risk for being used for defined expenses. Commonly, if the pool money that is put at risk is not expended by the end of the year, some or all of it is returned to those managing the risk.

Two different definitions are in use:

1) A pool of funds set aside as reserves to be used for defined expenses. Under capitation, if all of the risk pool is not used by the end of the contract year, it is usually disseminated to participating providers, and,

2) Legislatively created programs that group individuals who cannot secure coverage in the private market. Funding comes from government or assessment on insurers.