I heard about a short-term limited duration policy that has an option to renew. Does that mean I can keep it even if I get sick after buying the policy?

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Maybe, but not likely. Starting on September 1, 2024, federal regulations will only allow a consumer to have a short-term limited duration health insurance policy for a maximum period of four months including extensions and renewals. Short-term limited duration policies usually exclude coverage for pre-existing health conditions. At renewal, any health condition that you developed while covered under the policy can be considered pre-existing, and so any care related to it may not be covered. Additionally, you may experience a gap in coverage if a short-term limited duration policy is your main form of coverage when you become sick. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with a chronic illness while they have a short term plan, they may be covered for the portion of time that they have coverage under the plan, but may experience a gap in coverage once the short term plan ends since you must wait until Open Enrollment to enroll in the Marketplace (Loss of coverage under a short-term limited duration policy will not qualify you for a special enrollment period in the Marketplace).

While we have made every effort to provide accurate information in these FAQs, people should contact the health insurance Marketplace or Medicaid agency in their state for guidance on their specific circumstances.

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