PA DOI Brochure on Short Term Health Plans

Recent rule changes enacted by the federal government mean insurers now can sell short-term policies that last up to 12 months, renew them for up to 36 months, reject people with pre-existing conditions, and place lifetime limits on what the coverage pays for.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has published a brochure to help people understand the differences between coverage offered under Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and short-term policies, and ask the right questions. States can still regulate short-term health plans. Legislators in California recently passed a ban on sales of short-term plans. New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Hawaii and other states have severely restricted or banned short-term plans.