Affordable Care Act Multi-State Plans
ObamaCare, the informal name of the Affordable Care Act, offers multi-state plans. These plans may be purchased on the Exchange and are calledAffordable Care Act Bronze Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan.
UPDATE: Article updated 6/22/2015
What is a Multi-State Plan?
A multi-state plan is ONLY for competition. What we mean by competition is in some states or areas there were only be one insurance plan offered on the Obamacare Exchange, and multi-state plans are offered so that you have options. This does not mean that a multi-state plan works in multiple states.
Does a Multi-State Plan Cover You in More Than One State?
Multi-State is a confusing name, because it sounds like it works in multiple states, but most do NOT. like we said above it is meant for competition, not to offer nationwide coverage. If you’re looking for nationwide or regional coverage you’ll want to look into PPO plans.
How is an Emergency Covered Out of my Multi-State Coverage Area?
All of the new ACA plans must cover emergency care as in-network care no matter which state, per the essential health benefits. So you don’t have to worry about excess charges for emergencies.
Who Needs a Multi-State Plan?
No one needs a multi-state plan, only if the price and network are right for you, would this be the right plan.
For further questions about Multi-State plans call 800-930-7956 or click here to get an Obamacare Exchange quote.
Comments and Questions
Click to leave a CommentComment from luisa on August 01, 2016
I have a legal residence in nyc but my 3 year old child will
be going to school in DC. Under ACA can I have her plan be in both states? I can’t let her father put her under his plan because she is my financial dependent.
HELP!!!!
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Luisa,
You have a few options. The first one is we can look to see if there is a plan in zip code that has regional or national coverage, allowing her coverage in both DC and NYC. If we are unable to, we can look for a plan in DC for the school year, and NYC for the summer. The best way to figure this out is to call one of our Medicoverage licensed independent insurance agents at 800-930-7956.
-Michelle from http://www.medicoverage.com/</div>
Comment from Joseph Coleman on February 24, 2016
I am 27 yrs. old and am presently working on my PhD in Michigan.
I am still a NYS resident.
My school will no longer allow me to purchase health insurance through them.
Therefore, as of Aug. 2016 I am in need of health insurance.
I don’t know where to begin!
Please help.
I do not make a tegular salary…only a stipend of $8000 for 2015.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Joseph,
You have a few options. You can 1) Get an Obamacare health plan quote for NY, and apply for a plan that has regional and national coverage, without subsidies, 3) If a plan a regional or national plan is not available, you will apply for a plan in Michigan while you’re there for the school year, and a plan in New York for the summer, 2) Apply for Medicaid (since your income would not give you premium subsidies), 3) Get an ACA Catastrophic plan, or 4) Because your income is so low, you can apply for an exemption.
-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from Sandy Buysse on December 05, 2015
My daughter will be 26 in February and needs to get own insurance. She is going to school in New York but permant residence is in Minnesota. With her income low she would qualify for free insurance in Minnesota but New York will not take her mnsure insurance. Can she get medicaid in New York even though she files taxes in Minnesota.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Sandy,
Thank you for your question. They may allow students who have non-permanent residence to enroll in a plan in their area. She will want to contact New York’s Medicaid to see if she would qualify. If she doesn’t, tell her to call 800-930-7956, and we would be happy to help her with a health plan.
-Chris from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from Don on December 02, 2015
My wife has a primary residence in Texas and has private insurance
I have a primary residence in Maryland and have Medicade under the Medicaid expansion in Maryland.
We file married filing separate tax returns.
Can we file joint tax returns next year and, if the income and household size qualify,can my wife purchase MarketPlace insurance with a Premium credit?
Could I still keep my Medicaid coverage in Maryland if the income qualifies for a household size of two,if she lives in another state?
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Don,
Thank you for your question. We suggest you contact your tax expert on your specific case. Best of luck!
-Jacima from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from Donna Tanner on November 09, 2015
Hi, I retired 18 months ago and have had cobra insurance to date. I will need to get Obamacare for 17 month additional until I am 65. I live in Michigan for approximately 7 month and Florida for 5 months per year as of this year. Can I get a blue cross blue shield or other insurance that covers both states. I have spent several hours researching this and am just more confused than before
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Donna,
We completely understand your confusion! Trying to find a plan that offers coverage in more than one state, makes you want to pull your hair out. If you give us your zip code and county we’d be able to see if any plans offer regional or nationwide coverage in your area.
-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from shirley on September 14, 2015
Does Florida offer a ppo multi state plan
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Shirley,
At this time, I don’t see a multi-state plan offered in Florida. However, plans can change up until Obamacare Open Enrollment begins.
Remember that multi-state does NOT mean necessarily mean you are covered in more than one state. Other non “multi-state” PPO plans can offer regional and nationwide coverage. If you call a Senior65 agent, we can help you learn if/which plans cover you in more than one state.
-Amy from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from JIM DUNN on September 13, 2015
WE ARE SNOWBIRDS WHO LIVE IN CALIFORNIA HALF TIME. MY WIFE IS 62 AND HER HEALTH INSURANCE FROM OUR ‘SUMMER HOME’ IS EXTREMELY HIGH. IM 67 SO QUALIFY FOR MEDICARE. CAN WE BUY AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE IN CALIFORNIA?
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Jim,
Thank you for your question. Affordable coverage should be available in all states, as well as, you can
apply for Medigap or Medicare Advantage, since you are 67. Please contact an agent at 800-930-7956, so that we can help with your specific needs.
-Chris from http://www.medicoverage.com/
Comment from John M on February 21, 2015
I am planning on retiring at 60. We are plamming on moving to the USVI, which is not covered by aca. I also understand that there are no companies offering insurance in the USVI to individuals at this time.
Can a person living part time in KY or maintaining their mailing address in KY purchase an aca plan in KY and use it in USVI? If not, is there a plan that will cover KY and USVI that can be purchased. We have pre-existing conditions so we will need a plan that covers that.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
John,
Thank you for your questions. As far as we can tell, the U.S. Virgin Islands did not participate in creating an exchange; however, it looks like certain companies, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, are selling individual plans. For your second question, you would need to confirm with your tax professional, but, as far as we know you can apply for insurance within the state you pay taxes. Hope this helps.
-Amy www.medicoverage.com
Comment from Ken on November 25, 2014
I am a snowbird who as of this year have changed my residency (drivers license, voting registration) from Massachusetts to Florida. I now spend seven months in Florida and five in Massachusetts each year. Of course, I want a plan that covers me appropriately for my split of time each year. In looking at Healthcare.gov, the options seem limited and confusing. What multi-state options exist for my situation? Thank you.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Ken,
Thank you for your question. As a snowbird there may be some plans available to you that offer nationwide or regional networks. Please call us at 800-930-7956, so that an agent can help answer your specific question.
-Chris www.medicoverage.com
Comment from Jane on November 14, 2014
My son recently moved home to Boston from CA. We were able to get him insurance coverage through ACA till December 2014.
He is now considering going back to school in CA. He is 23 yo and as you can see is not yet settled.
Is there a policy we can purchase to be assured he has coverage in CA and MA?
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Jane,
Thank you for your question. Most plans available on and off the exchange will only cover your son in the state it was issued in (emergencies are covered in any state). However, there may be some PPO plans that offer a wider network. Contact one of our agents at 800-930-7956 to help you find a plan that works for you.
-Chris www.medicoverage.com
Comment from Caroline Bahadourian on November 11, 2014
Hello
I moved from ct to florida,I recently cancelled my health insurance in ct to purchase one through the marketplace in FL.
I finally kept my house in ct, and I m going to live in both state CT and Fl.
Can I have a second insurance?
thanks
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Caroline,
Thank you for your question. There are some PPO plans available that offer regional or nationwide networks. However, they are not abundant and may not be available in your area. We suggest due to the specificity of your question that you contact an agent directly at 800-930-7956, so that we may better help you.
-Chris www.medicoverage.com
Comment from P Neyman on September 25, 2014
I need health care for adjoining states, NV and CA. There doesn’t seem to be a problem if you travel out of state, temporarily. But seems to be a problem if for instance you regularly spend part of the year in each state. Many people do this, I am sure. I am currently a kaiser member but it seems that my coverage would be in jeopardy if I did this. So I am looking for alternatives. Regular Medicare would be an option, but I am interested in an Advantage plan if I can find one.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
P Neyman,
Thank you for your great questions. If you are turning 65 Medicare offers nationwide coverage, as does Medigap, however most Medicare Advantage plans are local networks and do not cover you when living in two separate states. To learn more about Medicare visit our sister site: Senior65.com
If you are under 65 are looking for an ACA plan, please Call 800-930-7956 so that an agent can help you figure out which plan is right for you.
-Chris from http://www.senior65.com
Comment from Astrid on April 20, 2014
Hello. My husband is 66 on Medicare I am 61 and we were a small group with our business. With the new health insurance laws we are no longer considered a group. I need an individual plan. The problem is we spend winters in Florida and live the other time in New York. I understand from my broker that there is no insurance that will cover me in New York and Florida. He says my only option is to get a Travelers insurance plan for my time in Florida. What are your thoughts on this? The highest travelers plan will only cover $100,000 per incident. The other individual plans for New York will cover emergency in other states but very limited from what I understand.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Astrid,
Thanks for your question. You are right that all plans offer emergency coverage no matter where you are in the states. As far as your travelers insurance plan it would depend on a few issues. Please call 800-930-7956 to speak to a Medicoverage agent to figure out what is the best plan for you.
-Chris from Medicoverage.com
Comment from Maura Coppola on April 10, 2014
I am planning to retire within the year at age 62. I will need to purchase health insurance and will live in CT and FL.
I would like to know coverage options and costs for health insurance to be covered in both states.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Maura,
Thanks for you question. Since you will retire before you turn 65 you will need to purchase an individual plan. We know how frustrating it can be to find a plan that covers you in two states. Since your situation is unique, please call 800-930-7956 to speak to an agent to find what health coverage is best for you.
-Chris from Medicoverage.com
Comment from Susan Hefner on February 27, 2014
I need a multi state health plan for wi & az. My husband is living in Phoenix az because of a job and has since established az as his primary residence. My primary residence is wi. I dont plan on moving within the next year to az We are both 60. Most of the healthcare would be for me. I am on SSD and will not receive Medicare until November We do travel back and forth. He is a self employed contractor in bathroom remodeling. Marketplace has been no help. We do plan to file jointly. I started marketplace in December and no one can tell me how to handle this. Thank you Susan