Statement attributable to:
Omar T. Atiq, MD, MACP
President, ܼˮ̳
WASHINGTON March 28, 2024 – The ܼˮ̳ (ACP) applauds the Biden Administration’s final rule on short-term limited duration insurance plans and other non-comprehensive coverage. ACP has been a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act’s patient protections, including the ban on pre-existing condition exclusions and discrimination based on factors like a patient’s health status. We are encouraged that the final rule seeks to ensure patients are able to make an informed decision when shopping for coverage and are not misled into enrolling in a plan that does not meet their needs.
Short-term limited duration and other junk plans are not required to abide by the ACA’s patient protections, potentially exposing patients to high out-of-pocket costs. The final rule ensures that such plans do what they are intended to do – fill in temporary gaps in coverage, not serve as a replacement for primary, comprehensive coverage.
ACP will continue to advocate for policies that support affordable ACA-compliant coverage, including a permanent extension of enhanced premium subsidies for those purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplaces.
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About the ܼˮ̳
The ܼˮ̳ is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 161,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on , , and .
Contact: Laura Baldwin, (215) 351-2668, lbaldwin@acponline.org