Short-term health plans are sold as temporary coverage. They can cost less than ACA plans, but they work very differently.
What's different
- Not ACA-compliant. They don't have to cover essential health benefits such as maternity care, mental health or prescription drugs.
- Medical underwriting. Insurers can ask health questions, decline applicants and exclude pre-existing conditions.
- Benefit limits. Plans may cap what they'll pay.
- No subsidies. Premium tax credits can't be used for short-term plans.
Licensed agents compare plans from several carriers, check your doctors and estimate your subsidy. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540State rules vary
Some states ban short-term plans or limit how long they can last; others allow longer terms. Federal rules on maximum length have changed several times. An agent can tell you what's sold where you live.
When they can make sense
For a healthy person with a short gap between other coverage and no access to an affordable ACA plan, a short-term plan may fill the gap. For anyone with ongoing health needs, an ACA plan is usually safer.
Fixed-indemnity and supplemental plans
Hospital indemnity and other fixed-indemnity plans pay set cash amounts for certain events. They can supplement major medical coverage but are not a replacement for it.
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