Over the last four years, the short-term health insurance market has gained popularity and posted tremendous growth in policies.
Consumers found that temporary short-term health insurance coverage is an effective way to mitigate against the rising costs of ACA Health Insurance plans that the federal government has mandated.
Complaints about many counties having only one or two ACA providers are still pervasive, and unless and until an administration comes along that will put the needs of middle America first, short-term health insurance will likely be the only alternative.
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How Does Florida Short Term Health Insurance Work?
Short-term health plans were initially designed to accommodate individuals between jobs or college graduates who needed health insurance coverage until they could find employment with a company that offered group health insurance.
These policies were originally designed to fill a coverage gap of one to three months and allow a one-time renewal. In its infinite wisdom, the federal government did everything possible to obstruct short-term health insurance available in its attempt to move as many consumers as possible into the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare.
Short-term health plans were not designed for people with pre-existing conditions, nor did they provide maternity coverage. Since they came up short of providing coverage for the essential benefits, the federal government required, short-term health plans were basically sold to young and healthy applicants who rarely got sick and seldom went to a doctor.
The short-term health plans were there to help cover medical expenses when healthy people got sick or injured. The premiums were a lot more affordable than the ACA health plans, especially if you don’t qualify for ACA subsidies.
Then, in 2017, everything changed when the Trump administration realized that the Affordable Care Act was failing the American public it was supposed to save. The Trump administration looked at short-term health plans as sort of a Plan B while they were trying to rid the country of Obamacare.
First, they allowed policy terms for up to a year and then expanded renewals to three years. But, the pre-existing conditions exclusions still remain, and all of the “essential benefits” found in an ACA plan are not found in a short-term plan.
Who Should Buy Short Term Health Insurance in Florida?
Since short-term health insurance isn’t permanent coverage, it should be used to fill the coverage gaps that many Americans have to deal with at one time or another. Most of these gaps in health coverage are brought on by the following:
- People in between jobs and waiting for coverage to kick in at a new job
- Individuals and families who simply cannot afford ACA health insurance because they either don’t qualify for subsidies or only qualify for a small subsidy.
- Those people who missed the ACA Open Enrollment and did not qualify for Special Enrollment
- Healthy people in their early sixties that need affordable coverage until they qualify for Medicare.
- Those who are between jobs and cannot afford their COBRA coverage.
- Those who are turning 26 and no longer eligible to be on their parents’ plan.
Do Florida Short Term Health Plans cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Since short-term health plans by design do not cover pre-existing conditions and they, do not guarantee coverage for the essential benefits that must be covered by ACA health plans.
Some insurance carriers will place a waiting period for covering a pre-existing condition, leaving a door open for getting a particular pre-existing covered when the waiting period expires.
Most insurance companies define a pre-existing condition as any illness or injury that you have prior to starting a new health insurance plan. This also applies to any condition for which the applicant was diagnosed, even if there was no treatment.
What will Florida Short Term Health Plans Cover?
Although coverage can vary by insurance company, Florida Short Term Health insurance from companies like UnitedHealthcare (Golden Rule) and National General provide medical coverage with policies from 30-days up to 12 months and can be renewed three times for 3-year coverage.
Both UnitedHealthcare and National General’s Short Term Medical plans allow applicants to customize their plans in terms of deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum policy payout.
Policyholders can count on their personal health plan to cover for:
- Doctor visits
- Preventive care
- Emergency Room care
- In-patient care
- Pharmacy benefits with discount options
Remember, applicants can build their health care plan to meet their specific circumstances within a budget they can comfortably afford.
Where to buy Short Term Health Insurance in Florida?
There are many companies to choose from and so the shopping process can be overwhelming for consumers who are buying a short-term health plan for the first time.
At HealthPlans2Go, we specialize in short-term health plans and have elected to offer two companies that have proven over time that they can meet our prospective clients’ needs in terms of valued health plans at very competitive rates.
The bottom line for consumers who are shopping for short-term health insurance is that our experienced health insurance professionals will take the time needed to help you design a plan that is the right fit for you.
We are proud to represent UnitedHealthcare and National General Short-Term Health Insurance in Florida and 24 other states.
There are many companies to choose from and so the shopping process can be overwhelming for consumers who are buying a short-term health plan for the first time.
At HealthPlans2Go, we specialize in short-term health plans and have elected to offer two companies who have proven over time that they can meet our prospective clients’ needs in terms of valued health plans at very competitive rates.
The bottom line for consumers who are shopping for short-term health insurance is that our experienced health insurance professionals will take the time needed to help you design a plan that is the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of short term health insurance?
Short term health insurance is the best way of having access to health insurance while in between jobs, away at college, or outside your enrollment period with a new employer.
Can you get short term Obamacare?
The Afforedable Care Act (Obamacare) does not offer or recognize short term health insurance. ACA health plans are complient with manadatory coverages but short term policies are not compliant.
How long is Florida short term health insurance good for?
Short term health insurance provides coverage for up to one year which can be renewed three times if needed.
Can I buy health insurance and use it immediately?
With most short term health insurance plans, you will be able to use it the day it is issued which can be the same day you apply and are approved.
We are proud to represent UnitedHealthcare and National General Short-Term Health Insurance in Florida and 24 other states.