OH YES! The insurance industry is totally buried in STATE mandated regulations that kill efficiency and protect in-state agencies from any competition. I’m sure it’s the result of a lot of lobbying at the state level by the industry.
My daughter goes to college in another state. She is REQUIRED to return (500 miles) to our home state for any medical treatment. Otherwise, it’s the ER for EVERYTHING! An ER visit for an ankle infection cost...$1924.00! For a sprained ankle... $1022.00 So our insurance would rather pay that than deregulate the interstate coverage clauses in their regulations.
That’s CRAZY ! ! !
That's true for me, also, if I want my medical insurance to cover any part of it. But nothing to stop me from paying cash at an urgent-care clinic. However, if I were on Medicaid (I'm not), that strategy wouldn't work as the providers are bound by law to not treat unless it is through Medicaid (which it wouldn't be at an urgent care clinic)..
sorry incorrect ALL health plans have a out of network payment clause in the benefits that pays for er and urgent care and inpatient,outpatient visits and office visits if required.