WAIT! The Multi-State Plan designation is confusing and I don't think means what you think it does. It's too complicated for me to try and explain, especially since I don't fully understand all the ramifications and intentions of including them in the exchanges (I think much of it is political).
Most importantly though is that you need a plan with a large provider network across the nation (yes, this sound like multi-state but isn't necessarily). I think that typically any of the 'Blues' (Blue Cross or Blue Shield plans) will offer their full nationwide network on their plans. Do you have a non multi-state Blue plan available to you? If so, call the company offering the plan(s) and ask about their network (on the plan(s) offered) in Florida or Texas or wherever you may be going. I think you may be pleasantly surprised.
We have had a private Blue plan for the last few years and have found in-network providers in both Florida and Arizona to be plentiful. When I called the (different) Blue company offering plans on our state's exchange I was told that the network will be the same.
When I asked about Multi-State plans I was told that the only difference besides the $1 per month price difference is that the MSP doesn't offer elective abortions. That's it as far as our state is concerned.
Just FYI, the customer service rep for our states exchange was totally clueless about what an MSP is. I had to call the company offering the plans on the exchange to get any sort of answer at all. Even then I didn't get a full explanation of the MSP's purpose (a lot of Googling will get you lots of confusing stuff to read) but I did get the answer that is pertinent to today's plan choices.
Oh, and I also understand the ER services are covered under ALL ACA plans no matter where you are - but that isn't good enough as far as I'm concerned if one travel a lot.
Did look at this. It appears that the BCBS plan in Minnesota, which is not a multi state plan treats out of state providers as out of network, except for a few providers close to the border in Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Iowa. I am having an agent double check for me.
There is a BCBS plan outside of the exchange which does in fact cover you outside of the state with the large BCBS network. But, I may be eligible for subsidies so I don't want that plan.
I have been told by agents that the multi state plans will have "network" providers throughout the US but they could be wrong. I do understand the "multi state' is not a reference to coverage but the nature of the plan and licensing issues.
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