(Washington, D.C. – July 7, 2023) On behalf of more than 160 million Americans living with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers, the National Health Council (NHC) supports today’s action by the Biden Administration to enact stronger regulations for short-term health plans.

Since federal deregulation in 2018, the number of short-term insurance plans that discriminate against patients with pre-existing conditions and refuse to cover legitimate medical expenses have grown exponentially. As a result, far too many of the most vulnerable individuals in our society – those with chronic conditions – have been denied access to the medical care they deserve.

We anticipate today’s proposed rule will result in an updated, stronger regulatory system for short-term plans that will return them to their intended purpose, require greater transparency about their limitations, reign-in the rogue operators that put profit over patients, and ultimately improve the quality of care for millions of enrollees.

Short-term plans were originally conceived as a cost-effective solution for individuals temporarily without health insurance coverage, providing stability and continuity of care until customers secured an employer-sponsored or Affordable Care Act health insurance solution. The proposed rule will restore that purpose, with the appropriate patient protections in place.

The NHC is honored to participate in today’s White House event announcing the rule and looks forward to reviewing the rule in greater detail and participating in the process via policy recommendations and public comment on behalf of our member organizations and the patients they serve.

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About NHC

Created by and for patient organizations 100 years ago, the National Health Council (NHC) brings diverse organizations together to forge consensus and drive patient- centered health policy. We promote increased access to affordable, high-value, sustainable health care. Made up of more than 155 national health- related organizations and businesses, the NHC’s core membership includes the nation’s leading patient organizations. Other members include health-related associations and nonprofit organizations including the provider, research, and family caregiver communities; and businesses representing biopharmaceutical, device, diagnostic, generic drug, and payer organizations. Learn more at: https://nationalhealthcouncil.org.

 Contact: Jennifer Schleman, jschleman@nhcouncil.org