“Short-term limited duration” insurance policies are intended to fill a temporary gap in health coverage. Starting on September 1, 2024, federal regulations will limit coverage under a short-term limited duration plan to a period of three months, with a maximum period of four months if there is an extension or renewal.

No. Only policies that meet ACA standards can be offered through the Marketplace. Look for information in written and online materials that must identify when a policy is a “short-term, limited-duration” policy and is “NOT comprehensive health coverage.

No. Only polices offered through the Marketplace are eligible for premium tax credits. Look for information in written and online materials that must identify when a policy is a “short-term, limited-duration” policy and is “NOT comprehensive health coverage.

Yes. In general, the application for short-term policies will ask questions about your current health status and your health history. Depending on your answers, if you have or have had a pre-existing condition, you might be turned down or charged more. How short-term policies treat you also depends on where you live.

You are allowed to keep and renew the policy, but only for a short amount of time. 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.

That strategy involves some risks. First, if you do get sick while covered under a short-term policy, it might not cover benefits for the care you need, and you would have to pay for these expenses yourself. For example, many short-term policies don't cover, or only provide limited coverage for prescription drugs.