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Short-term health plans provide low-cost, basic coverage for typically one month to 12 months. Those in good health will find basic emergency and doctor visits covered unless they are related to pre-existing conditions, which are not covered under short-term health plans.
Not All Plans Are Equal
Short-term health insurance plans are not all alike in what they cover. This is because there are no coverage requirements for short-term health plans. That leads to a great deal of variation between plans, making it difficult to find one offering the level of coverage you need.
This Is Not ACA
Another thing to note about short-term health coverage is that these plans do not follow the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines for health benefits. While you may be used to the ten essential health benefits covered by ACA plans, you should know that you will not find that level of coverage in short-term health insurance plans. Typically, that means that short-term health plans do not cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, maternity care, or mental health.
Short Term Health Coverage
You can expect your short-term health insurance to cover emergency visits to the hospital as well as certain prescription medications and some doctor appointments if they are not related to pre-existing conditions.
If you sign up for another short-term health plan after one short-term plan has ended, you may experience less coverage. In the period of the first plan, you may have developed a condition that would be considered pre-existing for the second plan, and thus, treatment for that condition would not be covered.
Your short-term health plan may have a waiting period before your coverage begins. Most plans will have a maximum coverage amount as well. Be aware of that before you sign on the dotted line.
Focus On Your Needs
How do you know if a certain short-term health plan is right for you? The best fit for you will be a plan that offers the most coverage you can find while staying within your budget. The budget will not be an issue because short-term health plans are generally less expensive than ACA plans. Think first of your own health needs, then your budget concerns.
Choosing Your Coverage
Short-term health plans are best for healthy people under age 65 who are in a time of transition. People who are waiting for benefits to kick in, are awaiting Medicare enrollment, were just kicked off of their parent’s coverage, or who are between jobs will find short-term health plans to be an affordable option for basic care.
Are you looking for affordable health coverage? Our team at Insured for Life can match you with a plan that maximizes your coverage. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
