There are significant risks patients face when they enroll in non-compliant and substandard health insurance products. A new report published by 30 patient organizations shares the risks and details ways state and federal lawmakers can help protect these vulnerable consumers.
There are significant risks patients face when they enroll in non-compliant and substandard health insurance products. A new report published by 30 patient organizations shares the risks and details ways state and federal lawmakers can help protect these vulnerable consumers.
The report, "Under-Covered: How 'Insurance-Like' Products Are Leaving Patients Exposed," issued by a coalition representing millions of people with pre-existing conditions, details eight different types of "non-compliant plans" that do not adhere to Affordable Care Act (ACA) consumer protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions, elimination of annual and lifetime coverage limits, and coverage for essential health benefits.
The plans have proliferated in recent years, and in many cases, are marketed to consumers who don't fully understand what they're purchasing. As a result, patients are often vulnerable to exorbitant medical bills. This report serves as a warning to consumers to avoid these plans – and a call to action to lawmakers.
These plans include:
"Allowing these plans to remain on the market effectively turns back the clock to the days when insurers could reject people with pre-existing conditions, exclude coverage for specific diseases and hike premiums based on an individual's medical history, gender or age without limits," the coalition of 30 patient groups said.
The report details the specific harms of many types of non-compliant health plans and urges state and federal policymakers to take immediate steps to protect patients by limiting their expansion. The report also provides specific recommendations that policymakers should move quickly to implement to protect consumers.
"We're calling on Congress, the Biden Administration, and state policymakers to take immediate steps to mitigate the harm of these substandard products," the patient organizations said. "Patients need and deserve better, and once again, must be ensured access to comprehensive, affordable coverage."
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