AAFP Scores Care Access Win as ACA Turns 14

In line with the AAFP’s aim to ensure health care for every American — and bolstering the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as that AAFP-supported law marked its 14th anniversary in March — the rule will boost access to affordable, high-quality care.  

STLDI was designed to fill temporary coverage gaps for patients moving between health insurance plans. But STLDI coverage is often referred to as “junk” insurance because such policies are not subject to the ACA’s standard patient protections, such as guaranteeing coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and prohibiting discrimination based on health status, age or gender. The new rule tightens loopholes that have let patients stay in STLDI longer than intended, limiting their care. 

The AAFP’s comments on the rule when it was proposed last summer expressed strong support for a provision revising the definition of "short-term" to mean a maximum of four months of coverage (a standard three-month maximum with an optional one-month extension) instead of three years. HHS’ final rule adopts that provision, as well as a requirement that insurance companies better clarify benefits that are excluded from STLDI plans compared with comprehensive coverage, which the Academy also called for.  

The rule goes into effect June 2 and applies to STLDI plans sold or issued on or after Sept. 1, 2024.