Would allowing health insurers to sell coverage across state lines increase competition and benefit consumers?

in favor

against

Allowing insurers to sell policies across state lines would increase competition, which reduces prices and choice is better for consumers.

Zetema Panelist In Favor

+1 Good Point

Insurers compete partly on the provider networks they offer, which requires contracting with doctors and hospitals to deliver care. They lack such contracts outside of their own states, making it difficult to offer insurance outside the states where they currently sell business.

Zetema Panelist Against

Good Point +1

Insurers could offer more basic, less expensive plans based in states with fewer required benefits, and make those available to more people. This would increase affordability for those with limited budgets.

Zetema Panelist In Favor

+1 Good Point

This idea is really just a way to reduce the effectiveness of state insurance regulations, which protect consumers from junk health plans and unfair price increases.

Zetema Panelist Against

Good Point +1

The best health plans in the country could be made available to residents of other states.

Zetema Panelist In Favor

+1 Good Point

Health plans only have value if providers are willing to be reimbursed by them, and the best plans don’t have those relationships outside of their current markets.

Zetema Panelist Against

Good Point +1

This approach is worth trying as a way to enhance competition.

Zetema Panelist In Favor

+1 Good Point

The practice already is allowed in three states—Georgia, Maine and Florida—but not a single insurer has tried it because it’s unattractive for them. This idea is just political rhetoric.

Zetema Panelist Against

Good Point +1

What do you think?