Last week, a federal judge upheld the Trump Administration’s expansion of short-term, limited duration (STLD) health insurance plans. (here)

As background, the Affordable Care Act requires that every health insurance plan must contain certain government-approved mandates. Most of these are beneficial, but not everyone wants or needs all of them. And, each mandate adds to the overall cost of an insurance plan. Many people, especially the young and healthy, simply need a major medical or catastrophic plan at much less cost than an Obamacare plan.

STLD plans are much cheaper than ACA-approved insurance because they don’t have all of the benefit mandates and other Obamacare regulations included. They do not necessarily cover pre-existing conditions, but insurers are required to clearly state that the plans are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act.

STLD plans have been available for years to provide health insurance for people transitioning from one job to another or for seniors retiring before they are eligible for Medicare. (here) The Obama Administration limited the use of STLD plans to 90 days. In August, 2018, the Trump Administration extended their use to 364 days with renewability for an additional two years.

Washington State Insurance Commissioner Kreidler essentially ruled that STLD plans sold in our state must follow the Obama regulations. (here) The Democratically-controlled U.S. House proposed legislation that would “strengthen Obamacare” and included limiting STLD plans. (here)

As is common these days, a lawsuit followed. The federal judge last week, however, ruled that "Not only is any potential negative impact from the 2018 rule minimal (on expanding STLD plans), but its benefits are undeniable,"

Expanding STLD plans is one of several steps the Administration can take, without legislation, to decrease costs and increase access to health care for Americans. (here) Hopefully, at some point, genuine health care reform can take place. (here)