Real answers for your healthcare questions

What is short term health insurance and how does it work?

Answer

Short term health insurance is temporary medical coverage designed to fill a limited gap. It is not the same as comprehensive ACA Marketplace coverage and may have different rules for benefits, pre existing conditions, renewability, and consumer protections.

What to Know

Short term plans can have exclusions, benefit limits, or coverage gaps that would not be allowed in ACA compliant individual plans. Availability and rules also vary by state, and federal requirements can change over time.

What to Do Next

If you are considering short term coverage, first check whether you qualify for Marketplace coverage, a Special Enrollment Period, Medicaid, or another comprehensive option. Read the short term policy's exclusions and limits carefully before enrolling.

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