
This article is intended for members enrolled in an individual health insurance plan.
If you’ve been hearing about temporary, or short-term, health care plans, they may seem like a good option to consider for health insurance because they may cost less than other types of plans. But what they cover is different than other plans, too.
Qualified health plans, sometimes known as Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, may cost more per month than short-term plans, but they offer more coverage options than many of the short-term plans. It’s important to be aware of the differences in coverage when you shop for a plan.
Here is a comparison of ACA plans and short-term plans for some popular coverage options.
Coverage Options |
Affordable Care Act Plans |
Short-Term Plans |
Pre-existing conditions (such as asthma or diabetes) |
|
![]() Pre-existing conditions may be excluded |
Preventive services, including immunizations |
|
![]() Preventive services are typically not covered |
Prescription drugs |
|
![]() 71% do not cover prescription drugs |
Maternity care |
|
![]() 100% do not cover maternity care |
Mental health services, including substance abuse disorders |
|
![]() 43% do not cover mental health services |
No limits to cost of care |
|
![]() Coverage is often limited to a set cost |
Annually renewable when still available |
|
![]() Limited renewals |
Sources: What to Know Before You Buy Short-Term Health Insurance, The New York Times, Aug. 1, 2018; Preventive care benefits for adults, Healthcare.gov; What Short-Term Health Insurance Is, and Isn’t, eHealth; 10 Essential Health Benefits Insurance Plans Must Cover Under the Affordable Care Act, Families USA, Feb. 9, 2018; Analysis: Most Short-Term Health Plans Don’t Cover Drug Treatment or Prescription Drugs, and None Cover Maternity Care, KFF (Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation), April 23, 2018