Temporary Health Insurance Options in March 2024

Since it’s March 2024, the open enrollment period for ACA (Affordable Care Act) marketplace plans has already closed. This can leave you wondering what your options are for temporary health insurance. Here’s a breakdown of two avenues to consider:

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

• What it is: Short-term health plans offer limited medical coverage for a fixed period, typically lasting for a few months up to a year. They can be a good option if you need temporary coverage between jobs while waiting for an employer plan to kick in, or if you’re experiencing a gap between other health insurance policies.
• Things to Consider:
  • Limited Coverage: Short-term plans often don’t cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, or certain medications. Make sure you understand what’s excluded before enrolling.
  • Renewal Challenges: These plans may not be renewable, and even if they are, the premiums could increase significantly upon renewal.
  • Not ACA-Compliant: Short-term plans don’t qualify as minimum essential coverage under the ACA. This means losing a short-term plan wouldn’t trigger a special enrollment period to get onto an ACA plan.

2. COBRA Continuation Coverage

• What it is: COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to continue coverage under your employer’s group health plan for a limited time after certain qualifying events, like job loss or a reduction in hours.
• Things to Consider:
  • Cost: You’ll typically pay the full premium cost (employer and employee share) under COBRA, which can be expensive.
  • Limited Time: COBRA continuation is usually available for 18 or 36 months, depending on the event.

Finding the Right Option

The best temporary health insurance for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are some resources to help you decide:

• Healthcare.gov: The official website of the ACA Marketplace can help you determine if you qualify for a subsidized ACA plan even outside the open enrollment period due to a qualifying life event. You can also explore short-term health plan options on this website. (https://www.healthcare.gov/)
• State Insurance Departments: Many state insurance departments have resources to help you understand your health insurance options, including short-term plans. Try searching online for “[your state name] Department of insurance.”

Remember, temporary health insurance can be a valuable tool in certain situations. However, it’s crucial to weigh the limitations carefully before enrolling in a plan.