Out-of-state health insurance?
Rep. Glenn Cordelli is the primary sponsor of HB 1362, a bill that would allow New Hampshire residents and small employers to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies, including plans that do not necessarily meet New Hampshire health insurance regulations. The bill is identical to a Senate bill, SB 149, that was tabled last year. Read more about this issue.
Should residents and small employers be able to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies that do not necessarily follow New Hampshire’s insurance rules?
Discussion held on Citizens Count NH website and Facebook page January 1, 2018
Yes: 163 people were in favor of allowing purchase of health insurance from out-of-state companies.
- “We should all be able to choose the insurance that best suits our needs and our budgets. The insurance industry needs a little competition...take down state line barriers.”
- “Of course! … NH residents should be able to choose the best insurance for the needs of their families—period.”
- “NH residents should be able to buy any kind of insurance they want across state lines.”
No: 23 people were opposed to allowing purchase of health insurance from out-of-state companies.
- “What's the point of NH having rules if companies from out of state don't have to follow the same criteria? It puts NH insurance businesses at a disadvantage.”
- “No. The only reason to do this would [be] to lower costs. Usually that means less coverage. I would rather see a Medicare for NH policy instead.”
- “No. Claiming to let the free market work is dumb because this would just let out of state businesses circumvent regulations required for those in the state.”
Other: 19 citizens addressed their comments to related questions and issues.
These included:
- Regulations: “Why should there be different rules for different states?”
- Alternative proposals: “Single payer! The idea that the free market which is good for capital is good for your health is a pipe dream.”
- Healthcare costs: “Health care increases are the result of the greed of the insurance companies, and their endless desire to gouge for more money.”
*Editor selection of actual participant quotes.