In a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Rep. Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, urged the elimination of the restriction preventing her constituents from buying “low cost” out-of-state health care plans. Either she doesn’t understand the purpose of this restriction or she doesn’t care about her constituents, or both.
Why would an out-of-state health care plan cost less?
First, insurers build their policies and premiums to reflect the average cost in their state. If Washington has a higher average cost, then you will have to pay the difference.
Second, insurers control cost by contracting with hospitals and doctors in their state. If you use a non-contracted hospital or doctor, you get stuck with the dreaded “out of network” penalty. You pay that penalty.
Finally, if you are unhappy with the service, benefit or cost, you cannot complain to the Washington Department of Insurance. You will have to go to the state where the policy was issued. Good luck!
