WASHINGTON, D.C. – Matt Eyles, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), issued the following statement after the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury issued a final rule expanding the use of short-term, limited-duration insurance for consumers who buy their own health care coverage:
“Every American should be able to get affordable, comprehensive coverage, regardless of their income, health status, or any pre-existing conditions. Consumers deserve more choices, particularly those who do not qualify for federal subsidies and must pay the full premium. We remain concerned that consumers who rely on short-term plans for an extended time period will face high medical bills when they need care that isn’t covered or exceed their coverage limits.
“Consumers should clearly understand what their plan does and does not cover. The new requirement for short term plans to make clearer disclosures to consumers is an important improvement. We also appreciate that the rule affirms the role of states to regulate these plans, including the option to reduce the duration period for short-term coverage.
“We will continue to work with federal and state leaders to ensure that Americans have affordable coverage choices for 2019.”