Idaho Congressman Proposes Extending Short-Term Health Insurance Duration to Three Years

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher has introduced the Removing Insurance Gaps for Health Treatment (RIGHT) Act of 2025, aiming to extend the allowed duration of short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans from the current maximum of four months to up to three years. These private insurance plans are designed to cover temporary gaps in health insurance but often provide fewer benefits and fewer consumer protections compared to Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant plans. Insurers offering STLDI plans can deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, a practice prohibited under ACA regulations, and premiums can vary significantly based on factors such as gender. Currently, short-term plans are sold in 36 states, including Idaho, but are regulated to require clear disclosures to consumers about their limited coverage scope due to issues with misleading marketing and sales tactics. An analysis by KFF highlights that while STLDI plans generally have lower premiums than unsubsidized ACA plans, the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2024 could influence the cost competitiveness and insurance market dynamics. Idaho regulators have issued warnings and cease and desist orders in the past to address misleading practices and unauthorized sales related to STLDI plans. Fulcher's legislation comes as federal subsidies for ACA marketplace plans are set to expire, potentially increasing insurance costs for many Americans, which adds context to the legislative push for expanded short-term insurance options.