Short Term Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Short Term health insurance is a good choice for me?
Short Term medical insurance, also called Temporary health insurance or Term health insurance, can provide a temporary solution to help fill gaps in coverage. Consider Short Term if you’re:
- Between jobs
- Waiting for other coverage to begin
- Waiting to be eligible for Medicare coverage
- Without health insurance, outside of Open Enrollment
For these situations and more where you are stuck in a coverage gap, finding the best short term health insurance plan you can may be just the right solution for you.1
Is Short Term health insurance available for families?
Yes, spouses and dependents can be covered under a Short Term insurance plan. However, because Short Term is medically underwritten, all family members will need to meet medical requirements of the plan.
Does Short Term health insurance provide coverage for preexisting conditions?
No. In most cases Short Term insurance plans do not cover preexisting conditions, which depending on your state’s definition would mean something you received diagnosis or treatment for within the last 2 to 5 years. If you are in this situation, you may want to explore other options or see if you can extend your current insurance plan.
How quickly can I get coverage?
The earliest a Short Term health insurance plan can take effect is the day after your application is received. You may also choose a later effective date based on your individual needs.
Is preventive care covered under Short Term health insurance?
Preventive care can sometimes be covered under a Short Term plan but may be limited. Check plan details for more information.
Will prescriptions be covered if I get temporary health insurance?
Prescriptions may be covered on some plans. Check specific plan details to learn more.
Is my current doctor covered under this plan?
It is possible, but check the network offered by any short term health insurance you plan to buy for the inclusion of doctors that are important to you.
Do I need to select a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
While some plans may require you to select a PCP as your main point of contact for your health care management, temporary health insurance plans often give you the flexibility to see any qualified health care provider you choose.
Do I need a referral from my PCP to see a specialist?
Referrals are not required to see a specialist with Short Term Medical plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company. You can see any specialist you wish.
Other Short Term health insurance plans may differ, so be sure to check the details before you buy.
Do Short Term plans meet federal requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
No. Short Term medical insurance plans are not minimum essential coverage and, therefore, do not meet the mandated coverage necessary for you to avoid a tax penalty under the ACA. You may be subject to the tax penalty if other exemptions do not apply to you.
The total penalty a family could pay in 2016 was the greater of either $2,085 or the total annual premium for the national average price of a Marketplace Bronze plan. For 2017 and beyond, the penalty will be adjusted for inflation. Keep this in mind when weighing your options, and consider consulting with a tax advisor for more information.
Can I get a tax subsidy to help pay for my Short Term health insurance?
No. Short Term plans do not qualify for tax subsidies under the ACA. Generally speaking, temporary health insurance costs less than ACA health plans, so the option may still make sense for your situation.
Is Short Term medical insurance limited to annual enrollment periods
No. Short Term insurance plans have no such restrictions and are available year-round. There’s no need to wait for Open Enrollment to apply.
Are there multiple plan choices and price ranges available with Temporary health insurance plans?
Most often, the answer is yes. For example, Short Term Medical underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company offers multiple plans and deductible choices to meet a range of budgets and needs. As always, check the plan you are considering carefully.
Do Short Term health insurance plans have high deductibles?
Short Term Medical plans offer deductible options starting at $1,000 to meet your needs.
What if I don’t need my temporary insurance coverage for as long as I had planned?
Short Term health insurance plans can be cancelled at any time without penalty. Any premium paid beyond the new termination date will be returned to you.
Can I renew this type of health insurance coverage?
No. Short Term coverage is limited to the duration selected; therefore, it is non-renewable. Durations may vary by state.
If I’m looking for the best Short Term health insurance price, do I have options to help me reduce my premium payments?
Yes. Choosing a plan with fewer benefits, or a higher deductible, or a single up-front payment option are all effective ways to potentially reduce your premiums.
Can I pair other plans with a Temporary health insurance plan?
Yes. Short Term is often combined with other supplemental health insurance plans to help round out coverage.
Dental, Vision, Accident and Critical Illness plans are commonly paired with Short Term medical insurance plans.
Ready to See Some Short Term Options?
Short Term Medical plans may be the fast and flexible solution you’ve been looking for.
UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide network, one of the largest in the United States, provides access to nearly 1,000,000 physicians and health care professionals, and approximately 6,000 hospitals and medical facilities.2 It’s likely that your doctor is already a part of our network.
1 Short term health insurance is medically underwritten and does not cover preexisting conditions. It does not meet minimum essential coverage requirements, meaning signing up for this coverage may result in a tax penalty.
2 UnitedHealth Group Annual Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/15.
No individual applying for health coverage through the individual Marketplace will be discouraged from applying for benefits, turned down for coverage, or charged more premium because of health status, medical condition, mental illness claims experience, medical history, genetic information or health disability. In addition, no individual will be denied coverage based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, political affiliation or source of income.
References to UnitedHealthcare pertain to each individual company or other UnitedHealthcare affiliated companies.
Each company is a separate entity and is not responsible for another's financial or contractual obligations.
Administrative services are provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.
Products and services offered are underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, Health Plan of Nevada, Inc., Oxford Health Insurance, Inc., UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New York, Inc.
This policy is subject to various exclusions and limitations. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call (or write) your insurance agent or the company (whichever is applicable).
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