WASHINGTON, D.C.— September 11, 2023 — Late Friday, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) issued a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service commenting on the short-term, limited duration (STLD) insurance rule proposed by the Tri-Agencies sin July.
STLD plans – which have very limited coverage benefits and aren’t obligated to follow ACA requirements on minimum essential coverage – can charge more or deny coverage to people based on their pre-existing medical conditions, set arbitrary caps on how much coverage they will provide during the year and aren’t obligated to provide coverage for essential health services, like prescription drugs or hospitalization.
A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:
“We support the proposed rule and its promise to strengthen insurance protections for the millions of cancer patients we serve by restricting the availability of short-term plans that leave people with serious conditions like cancer without the insurance protection they need. Ensuring proper protections from penalties or discrimination for pre-existing conditions is key to curbing medical debt and providing comprehensive coverage that truly safeguards patients, survivors and those at risk of developing the disease.”
The full text of the letters and be read here.