As reported by both Forbes and CNBC, insurance plans available through the Marketplace (Exchange) average fewer hospitals and doctors than insurance plans available directly from the carriers.

“Network composition is a major way in which insurance companies can attempt to control costs in the Marketplace; and for consumers there is often a tradeoff between access and price,” said Kathy Hempstead of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which released a nationwide report on the topic.

With 2016 Open Enrollment for the Marketplace starting November 1, 2015, consumers looking for individual coverage options need to include provider participation in their plan comparisons. “The good news is that the exchanges have a lot of choices for consumers,” said Elizabeth Carpenter, vice president at Avalere. “What’s important is that consumers recognize important plan features like network size to ensure that plan meets their needs.”

Contact your NEEBCo representative with questions regarding network differentials between plans both on and off the Exchange.