Between 2019 and 2021, the number of people working from home tripled from 5.7% to 17.9%. Even as we move past the pandemic peak, more companies are expanding their operations across state lines. In doing so, they face a new challenge when it comes to providing health benefits for their employees. The complexities of the regulatory landscape and varying costs of health care from state to state make it difficult to provide the best possible health care coverage for every employee. But adjusting benefits for a changing workforce is linked to a higher level of job satisfaction, which contributes to more productivity, increased profits, and lower turnover. The following four key elements should be considered to properly navigate out-of-state employee benefits.

1. Network access

It's no secret that America has a health care problem: Compared to other high-income countries, America has the highest rate of people with multiple chronic health conditions, maternal mortality, and death by avoidable and treatable conditions. What's more, many Americans also lack access to quality health care providers, especially depending on their geographic location. Over a third of the U.S. population is without adequate access to primary care providers, pharmacies, hospitals and trauma centers, and other necessary health care infrastructure.