Arguably, the strength of an insurer’s provider network is one of the most important things that keeps them in business in an ever-increasing competitive landscape.  If a member cannot find a provider or hospital that is participating w/that payer, it can quickly be deduced that the member will not be itching to renew their enrollment if they have much of a choice.  With the rollout of the ACA and the health insurance exchanges, the issue of provider network adequacy is becoming more magnified.  With so many choices for the consumer including the different tiers of coverage to choose from, some people may have unwittingly chosen a plan in which they are having difficulty finding a par provider.  This isn’t a new rule w/the ACA but for those who are newly insured and are not well versed in the insurance know how, they are coming across these very real issues.  What’s happening in this article in Washington State is most likely happening in other states as well.  It’s only a matter of time before HHS addresses this either formally or informally.