Short term health plans leave consumers on the hook for massive medical costs, investigation finds

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/504625-house-report-finds-short-term-health-plans-leave-consumers-on-the-hook-for

By Nathaniel Weixel - 06/25/20 05:55 PM EDT


Short-term health plans routinely refuse to pay the costs of treating beneficiaries, but have seen a surge in enrollment as a result of Trump administration policies, according to a new report released Thursday from House Democrats.

Short-term plans don't have to comply with ObamaCare's coverage rules. The Energy and Commerce Committee investigation found that most plans will deny coverage or charge more for people with pre-existing conditions.

The plans will also charge women more than men, and deny women basic health services, like preventive screening procedures and routine tests, including pelvic exams.

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The House Democratic investigation into 14 companies that sell, or help people buy the plans, found “deceptive” and “misleading” marketing tactics used to attract customers who might not know their plans don’t cover all of the same benefits ObamaCare does, like prescription drugs or mental health care.

In a few cases, the plans exclude coverage of routine care such as basic preventive care, wellness exams, pelvic exams, pap smears and birth control.

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"Consumers who fall sick while enrolled in one of these plans may incur huge, potentially ruinous medical costs," the report said.

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