Why can I shop for car insurance nationwide, but health insurance only state wide? (companies, compare)

[Sonrise]

Apparently when shopping for car insurance, we the consumer can compare hundreds of companies rates and find the best one for our needs. However, when we want to shop for health insurance we can't compare companies all across the country, only those licensed in our respective states; severely limiting our choices and costs. Does anyone know why?

P.S. I can't see in any way how this can be turned into a partisan topic, so please, unless there's a specific partisan answer to my question, let's discuss this one civilly and stay on topic. Thanks

[Curmudgeon]

The question needs to be asked of the insurance industry. All states that I'm aware of have insurance regulatory agencies that license companies and products in their own states. Not all health insurers have wanted to enter all markets due to demographics (read: finances).

HMOs and PPOs by design have geographic limitations. However, Blue Cross/Blue Shield is relatively universal in its point-of-service coverage.

[TigerLily24]

Excellent question. I've often wondered the same thing, particularly since it seems that a lot of the 'local' insurers are subsidiaries of the large companies.
It is an interesting situation, particularly if, like me, you work for a company in another part of the country who uses a carrier that does not 'officially' provide coverage where I live. I have to be very careful to choose a provider that accepts what basically is a 'reseller' of services in my area. Seems much more complicated than it needs to be.