Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher has introduced a bill aimed at expanding access to private, short-term health care coverage. The proposed legislation, which has been sent to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for review, seeks to provide individuals and families with more options for temporary health insurance.
Currently, short-term limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans are available for up to 12 months, with the option to renew for up to 36 months. However, these plans are not considered minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and often do not provide the same level of coverage as traditional health insurance plans.
Fulcher’s bill, titled the “Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance Act,” would allow states to extend the duration of STLDI plans beyond the current 12-month limit. This would enable individuals and families to purchase private, short-term health insurance coverage for longer periods, potentially providing a more affordable alternative to traditional health insurance plans.
Proponents of the bill argue that it would increase access to health care for individuals who are between jobs, self-employed, or unable to afford traditional health insurance. They also claim that it would promote competition in the health insurance market, driving down costs and improving the quality of care.
However, critics of the bill argue that it could lead to a proliferation of “junk insurance” plans that do not provide adequate coverage for essential health benefits, such as maternity care, mental health services, and prescription medications. They also express concerns that the bill could undermine the ACA and destabilize the health insurance market.
The introduction of Fulcher’s bill comes as the Biden administration has taken steps to restrict the sale of STLDI plans, citing concerns about their lack of comprehensive coverage and potential to harm the ACA market. The administration has proposed rules that would limit the duration of STLDI plans and require insurers to clearly disclose the limitations of these plans to consumers.
The fate of Fulcher’s bill remains uncertain, as it faces an uphill battle in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. Nevertheless, the introduction of the bill highlights the ongoing debate over the role of short-term health insurance plans in the US health care system and the need for affordable, comprehensive health care options for all Americans.