Short Term Health Plans vs. ACA Plans

Buying health insurance is important if you want to be capable of affording regular health care services. But there are several health insurance options for you to choose from. Some people get stuck when considering short-term health plans vs ACA plans. Here’s what you need to know to make your decision-making process easier. 

What Is ACA Coverage?

ACA coverage is a term that applies to any health insurance plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act is a series of laws that were passed to ensure that low-income Americans can acquire health insurance at reduced costs. It also requires health insurance providers to offer insurance plans that cover a set of essential benefits. 

The goals of the 2010 health-reform law were officially stated to be:

• Make affordable health insurance available to more people.
• Expand the Medicaid program.
• Support medical care delivery that reduces costs.

What Are The Essential Health Benefits?

Part of this legislation was designed to ensure that the health insurance plans people could access offered them complete coverage. While not all health events are covered by ACA plans, the plans are required to include ten essential health benefits. 

The essential health benefits include:

• Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital)
• Emergency services
• Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)
• Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
• Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (this includes counseling and psychotherapy)
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
• Laboratory services
• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)

What Are Short-Term Health Plans?

Short-term health insurance is a type of health coverage that is meant to be purchased during transitional periods of your life. These plans provide minimal coverage for a short period of time. They aren’t meant to be a complete replacement for major health insurance, as they don’t cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, maternity care, mental health, and several other items. 

If your previous insurance recently expired or you’ve experienced certain life events, it may make sense to get a short-term health plan instead of ACA coverage. Many people choose to purchase short-term health plans while they wait for an ACA coverage enrollment period to begin. 

Shop For Insurance

Whether you need short-term coverage or an ACA plan, Insured For Life can help you achieve your insurance goals. Call us at 888-989-0079 to get started with a free consultation and quote on short-term or ACA plans in your area.