The answer quite simply is yes.

There are many factors that contribute to why health insurance premiums are higher is some states. You may be able to buy a health insurance policy in one state and in another you could be declined coverage all together.

Here is one example:

A family of 4 living in California is currently paying $927.00 per month for health insurance.

Due to cost, they shop around and find a more affordable family health insurance policy for only $412.00 per month. A savings of $6,180 per year! Sounds like a great deal and it is. There is a catch. The family of 4 is on 3 medications and California does not allow health insurance companies to exclude (rider) any pre-existing conditions.

That probably sounds like a great idea California has come up with.

Maybe not........

Remember, the savings is over $6,000 per year. Although, because the state does not allow the insurance companies to exclude coverage for the drugs, most insurance companies will decline to offer coverage.

Take this same family and move them to a bordering state like Nevada or Arizona and they WOULD be offered health insurance coverage. Yes, the current drugs would be excluded but they have a CHOICE. Do their drugs cost more than $6,000 a year? Probably not. This would be a great option for many. If their cost for the medication is over $6,000 per year they may decide to stay on their current plan. But again they would have that choice.

The California government decided that taking away choice would be best for consumers, therefore this family will either continue to pay $900.00+ per month or join the 47 million uninsured.