
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers short-term health insurance plans for individuals and families. These plans provide temporary coverage for a limited time, usually up to 12 months.
BCBS short-term plans can be a good option for those who are between jobs, waiting for employer-sponsored coverage to kick in, or experiencing a gap in health insurance. They often have lower premiums than major medical plans.
To qualify for a BCBS short-term plan, you typically need to be under a certain age, usually 65 or younger, and not eligible for other health insurance coverage. Some plans may also have restrictions on pre-existing conditions.
Is a Plan Right for Me?
If you're considering a Blue Short Term plan, you might be wondering if it's the right choice for you. You may want to consider a short-term health insurance plan if you have a new job and are waiting for benefits to start.
You might also want to consider a short-term plan if you missed Open Enrollment and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This can be a lifesaver if you need medical coverage in the meantime.
If you're still in college, just graduated, or turned 26 and left your parents' insurance plan, a short-term plan might be a good option. Many people in this situation find themselves without health insurance for a short period.
You might also want to consider a short-term plan if you don't want to use COBRA insurance. This can be a more affordable option if you only need coverage for a short time.
Here are some of the key features of Blue Short Term plans:
Short Term Medical Plans
Short Term Medical Plans are a viable option for individuals who need temporary health insurance coverage. If you have a new job and are waiting for benefits to start, a short term health insurance plan might be right for you.
You can consider a short term health insurance plan if you've missed Open Enrollment and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This type of plan is also suitable for individuals who are still in college, just graduated, or turned 26 and left their parents' insurance plan.
Keep in mind that Blue Term plans don't cover pre-existing conditions, so if you have a chronic medical condition, you might want to explore other options like COBRA.
Short term health plans are generally more affordable than COBRA premiums, making them an attractive alternative for healthy individuals. However, if you need medical care for an existing condition, COBRA might be a better choice.
Here are some key features of Blue Short Term plans:
You can design your own plan by choosing the length of coverage, deductible, and out-of-pocket limit that suits your needs. This flexibility allows you to tailor your coverage to fit your budget and circumstances.
If you need temporary insurance again after your first Blue Short Term plan expires, you can reapply as often as needed within a maximum term of 360 days. However, you must wait at least six months before reapplying for another short term plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Options
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a range of options for short-term health plans. You can choose from Blue Shield networks when shopping for these plans.
With Blue Short Term plan, you can design your own coverage. You can select the length of coverage, which ranges from 30 to 180 days. You can also choose from various deductibles, including $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, and more, depending on your needs.
Here are the available deductibles and their corresponding costs:
You can also influence what your coverage will cost by selecting a deductible that fits your budget. With these options, you can find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Partnership with Health Coverage
If you're looking for a Blue Cross Blue Shield partnership with short-term health coverage, you're out of luck. The plan through IHC that used the BCBS provider network via a partnership has been pulled from the market.
This leaves you with a few options, but be aware that waiting periods apply. New coverage can start as soon as midnight after enrollment with health sharing plans, but it's a good idea to plan ahead.
To get on an ACA plan, you'll need to wait until the first of the month, which might not be ideal if you're in a situation where you need coverage quickly.
Here are some situations where you might need to consider alternative options:
- Waiting periods for new coverage to start
- Getting to Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment trigger
- Can't afford ACA health plans
- Interim periods of travel
- Situations where you need to show proof of coverage quickly
Compare Blue Shield Health Plans
If you're considering Blue Shield health plans, you'll want to compare the options carefully. Blue Shield offers short-term health plans that can provide coverage for a limited time.
You may want to consider a short-term health insurance plan if you have a new job and are waiting for benefits to start, or if you missed Open Enrollment and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. These plans can also be a good option if you're still in college, just graduated, or turned 26 and left your parents' insurance plan.
However, Blue Term plans don't cover pre-existing conditions, so it's essential to consider this restriction carefully. Blue Term plans can provide coverage for a period of 30 to 180 days.
You can design your own plan with Blue Short Term, choosing the length of coverage, deductible, and other features to fit your needs. Here are some plan features to consider:
Plan Management
With Blue Short Term plan, you get to choose the length of coverage that suits your needs, ranging from 30 to 180 days.
You can select a deductible that's right for you, from as low as $250 to as high as $2,500. This will influence what your coverage will cost.
The plan features a separate $250 Rx deductible for prescription drugs, which does not go toward the out-of-pocket maximum. This has a $500 maximum per member per benefit period.
Design Your Own Plan
Designing your own short-term health plan can be a great way to get the coverage you need without breaking the bank. You can choose from a range of deductible options, from as low as $250 to as high as $2,500.

The length of coverage is also up to you, with options ranging from 30 to 180 days. This flexibility is perfect for those who are between jobs, waiting for open enrollment, or need immediate health coverage.
You can select a deductible that fits your budget, and this will directly impact the cost of your coverage. For example, a lower deductible of $250 will likely cost less than a higher deductible of $2,500.
The out-of-pocket limit is also something to consider, with options ranging from $5,250 to $15,000 for individuals and families.
Here's a quick rundown of the deductible and out-of-pocket limit options:
Remember, the deductible and out-of-pocket limit options will directly impact the cost of your coverage, so be sure to choose the one that fits your budget.
Reapplying for a Plan
You can reapply for a short term plan if your first one expires and you're still able to answer no to the questions under Part E of the application.

To reapply, simply complete a new application and send it in with the appropriate premium. You can do this as often as needed, but only within a maximum term of 360 days.
After the 360-day limit, you'll need to wait at least six months before reapplying for another short term plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is short-term health insurance cheaper?
Yes, short-term health insurance is often cheaper than ACA health insurance, but it typically comes with limited benefits and no protection for pre-existing conditions.
Sources
- https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/shop/individual-and-family-plans/short-term-health-plans/
- https://texashealthagents.com/selecttemp-ppo-plan/
- https://www.calhealth.net/Blue-Cross-Blue-Shield-Short-Term-Health-Insurance.htm
- https://www.arkansasbluecross.com/looking-for-insurance/individual-family-plans/limited-duration-landing
- https://coloradohealthagents.com/anthem-colorado-short-term-plans/
Featured Images: pexels.com