Questions about the Health care exchanges :

[zipplewrath]

1. Answers

Is there a difference between company "A"s Gold plan and company "B"s Gold plan?

Yes

Do all the doctors, hospitals, etc who accept company A also accept company B?

Not necessarily

Why would someone pay more for company A over company B?

Because of the answers to the two above.

You're asking good questions, because people who are shopping should pay attention to the details about these things. There are standards for these plans, but there are variations within the rules. And what doctors/hospitals/outpatient etc. is important. If you have a pre-existing condition, one should probably check in GREAT detail about the exact charges and benefits under each plan.