If you’re between jobs, moving off your parent’s plan, experiencing a temporary gap in health coverage or outside of the ACA Open Enrollment window, Short Term Health plans offer temporary limited coverage and benefits for people without health insurance.
Short Term Health plans are a budget-friendly option for temporary coverage compared to major medical plans.
Get temporary coverage and financial protection against unexpected medical expenses in case of illness or injury.
If you’re experiencing gaps in coverage, you can enroll anytime, without worrying about Open Enrollment periods.
You can enroll in one of our plans at any time – you don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment or a qualifying life event to be eligible.
Due to the limited benefits included in these plans, premiums tend to be more affordable than comprehensive coverage, but can vary due to age, where you live and the level of benefits you want.
Once you and your agent determine what benefits will best meet your needs, your agent can help you enroll. Medical questions may be required to be approved as part of your application.
All claims will be filed and paid through the insurance company that underwrites the STM plan you enrolled in for reimbursement.
are concerned about the high monthly cost of major medical insurance.
of people who lost employer coverage did not choose COBRA due to the cost.
selected a Short Term Health plan because they didn’t qualify for a subsidy or needed health coverage quickly.
purchased Short Term insurance when they lost their coverage due to unemployment.
*According to 2020 Pivot Health Survey
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These plans are temporary health insurance options. They offer some financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, but it’s important to understand what they cover and don’t cover compared to traditional major medical insurance plans.
Short Term Health plans are not subject to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. This means they don’t have to cover the 10 essential health benefits, such as maternity and newborn care, mental health services, or pre-existing conditions.
These plans are often designed to bridge gaps in coverage or provide temporary protection for healthy individuals. They typically offer coverage for:
These plans are meant to provide financial help for sudden illness or injury.
Costs associated with going to the ER or urgent care are typically covered.
Some plans cover check-ups and consultations, but coverage may vary.
Coverage can vary significantly depending on the specific plan.
Includes preventive care, mental health services, and substance treatment.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care are typically not covered.
These plans typically exclude coverage for any conditions you had before enrolling.
These plans are not designed for chronic conditions or ongoing medical needs.
Short Term Health plans are not ACA-compliant, meaning they don’t cover the 10 essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
Short Term Health Insurance provides essential, temporary coverage for unexpected medical expenses, acting as a financial safety net when you’re between long-term health plans or facing an unforeseen lapse in coverage. Whether you’re transitioning between jobs, recently aged out of a parent’s plan, or simply need immediate protection outside of an Open Enrollment period, short-term plans can offer peace of mind by covering urgent medical costs. Here’s how it could benefit you financially during a gap in coverage:
These plans are designed to offer lower monthly premiums compared to major medical insurance.
Many short-term plans include coverage for doctor visits, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs and make accessing care more manageable.
These plans help cover visits to the ER or urgent care, offering financial protection when unexpected medical needs arise.
You can enroll in short-term health insurance at any time, providing immediate coverage without the need to wait for Open Enrollment.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule regarding short term, limited-duration insurance in March 2024. Beginning September 1, 2024, these plans are now limited to no more than four months of coverage and another short term plan would not be able to be purchased from the same insurer within 12 months of the initial policy effective date. This new rule will only apply to enrollments in a Short Term policy as of that date, not currently active policies.
Eligibility will vary depending on the policy and the state. It is possible to be declined based on your medical history.
Short Term Health insurance plans are not required to adhere to the Affordable Care Act requirements, so check the carrier’s policy thoroughly for any exclusions, for example – maternity, mental health, substance abuse or prescription coverage.
Beginning September 1, 2024, these plans are now limited to no more than four months of coverage and another short term plan would not be able to be purchased from the same insurer within 12 months of the initial policy effective date. This new rule will only apply to enrollments in a Short Term policy as of that date, not currently active STM policies.
These rules do not apply to Short Term Health plans. The federal law called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – otherwise known as “Obamacare” – introduced new rules into the health insurance market, requiring all major medical plans to provide specific benefits and requiring most Americans to have coverage.
Short-term health insurance plans typically offer coverage for a duration of one to four months. As of recent regulations effective September 1, 2024, these plans are now limited to a maximum of four months, and policyholders cannot purchase another short-term plan from the same insurer within 12 months of the initial policy’s effective date.
Short-term health insurance is generally more affordable than major medical plans due to its limited coverage and benefits. However, premiums can vary based on factors like age, location, and selected coverage options. While less comprehensive, short-term plans can offer a cost-effective option for temporary coverage needs.
Yes, you can cancel a short-term health insurance plan at any time by contacting your insurance provider. Keep in mind that once canceled, you will lose the coverage and financial protection it offers. Consider your health coverage needs and alternatives before making this decision.