While workers may enjoy the freedom that remote work affords them, they may be worried that the insurance coverage offered by their employer might not apply to their out-of-state residence. More and more, small business owners are asking themselves: should losing your commute mean losing your coverage?
Rest assured, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has small business employees covered thanks to a robust slate of out-of-state health care considerations and solutions. In this article, we’ll discuss how out-of-state employees can qualify for small business health insurance coverage, how they can find care while out of state and how they can use the BlueCard® Program to find the right solution for their out-of-state coverage needs.
For small business owners, it only makes sense to find the best health insurance coverage options for your employees. Remote work, however, has added a new wrinkle to the insurance shopping experience. As of October 2024, 37% of employers have adopted a hybrid work structure 
compared to 20% in January 2023.
The good news is, while BCBSTX may be state-specific, members can still take advantage of coverage benefits based on where their employer is headquartered. This means that out-of-state small business employers can give their employees the financial security and peace of mind that comprehensive health insurance coverage provides, no matter their state of residence.
It’s worth mentioning, however, that some plans may work better for out-of-state coverage than others. In particular, PPO plans provide members with an added layer of flexibility when compared to HMOs, making them the more attractive option for out-of-state employees. Telemedicine solutions can also be accessed remotely, giving members the comprehensive coverage and services they require regardless of which state they’re in.
Small business owners should examine the BCBSTX 2025 Small Group Plans product portfolio to determine which plan is the right fit for their size and budget. Remember, plan offerings vary based on the plan you choose.
Once your small business employees enroll in BCBSTX coverage, their member benefits make it easy for them to find primary care providers and other services when out-of-state.
Employees can easily find health care providers in their state of residence by using Provider Finder®. To see the providers in-network, employees will need to enter their city, state and ZIP code.
Out-of-state employees can also take advantage of the BlueCard Program in the event of extended out-of-state or international travel to:
These added benefits ensure that small business employees, especially those who often travel for work or reside far away from their employer, remain able to maintain their comprehensive health care coverage no matter what side of a state line they find themselves on.
Working away from the office doesn’t have to mean giving up your benefits. As a small business owner, BCBSTX gives you the tools to make sure your employees are in good hands no matter their ZIP code. With Provider Finder and the BlueCard Program, small business employees can take advantage of the modern conveniences associated with remote work while securing their long-term health through comprehensive health care coverage.
To learn more about these programs, including eligibility information and provider details, call 1-833-923-1785.
Material discussed is meant for informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as medical, financial, tax or legal advice. BCBSTX does not offer medical, financial, tax or legal advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek individualized advice from qualified medical, financial, tax and/or legal experts regarding the best options for your particular circumstances.
