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Health insurance across state lines?

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On Tuesday a Senate committee heard testimony on a bill that would allow New Hampshire residents to purchase health insurance from other states.

Sen. Andy Sanborn (R-Bedford), the sponsor of the bill, argued that the Affordable Care Act mandates a minimum amount of coverage no matter the state.  State-level mandates vary, however, so a New Hampshire resident might find a cheaper plan in another state.

"If it’s good enough for Alabama, it ought to be good enough for New Hampshire," said Sanborn. "I want everyone to be able to find affordable health insurance."

The New Hampshire Insurance Department argued that out-of-state insurance companies would still have to negotiate a provider network in New Hampshire, or else a New Hampshire resident would have to travel to hospitals in other states.

Negotiations with providers account for the greatest variation in insurance premiums, according to the Department.

"For a company to come into New Hampshire, the greatest barrier is setting up contracts with health care providers," said Tyler Brannan, an Insurance Department analyst.  "If an insurance company doesn't have deals similar to what Anthem or Harvard Pilgrim have, they're not going to be competitive."

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