Short-Term Medical Insurance
Non-ACA-compliant temporary health coverage — useful as a stopgap, problematic as a permanent solution.
Full explanation
Short-term medical insurance (STMI) is non-ACA-compliant coverage designed for short gaps in coverage (typically 1-12 months, with extension to 36 months in some states). Short-term plans CAN deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, exclude maternity and mental health, impose annual benefit caps, and rescind coverage if they discover undisclosed conditions. They're appropriate as a brief stopgap (between Open Enrollment and a SEP, or while waiting for new employer coverage). They're inappropriate as a long-term substitute for ACA coverage — a serious diagnosis on a short-term plan can be financially catastrophic.
Need help with Short-Term Medical Insurance? Call 256-800-4885 for free guidance from a licensed insurance agent in our nationwide network.