Short answer: Often, yes. Out-of-area employees usually need a plan with a national network, a PPO or a multi-state EPO, because HMO networks are local. Some carriers offer guest/host network access, so confirm out-of-area rules with the carrier.
HMO and many EPO networks are geographically local, so an employee living or working outside the plan’s service area may not have in-network providers nearby. To cover them, employers often choose a PPO (or a national EPO) that uses a nationwide network. Some carriers offer ‘guest’ or ‘host’ network arrangements that extend access for out-of-area members. The right answer depends on the carrier’s specific out-of-area rules, so confirm before enrolling remote employees.