Should the Trump Admin’s Rule Expanding Short-Term Health Insurance Plans be Eliminated? (S. Joint Res. 63)

What is S. Joint Res. 63?

(Updated April 8, 2019)

This resolution would repeal the Trump administration’s “Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance” rule — which allowed health insurance consumers to buy short-term health insurance plans lasting up to 12 months that can be renewed for up to three years (Obamacare capped such plans at 3 months). The rule was finalized on August 3, 2018 but under the Congressional Review Act Congress can overturn recently finalized regulations with simple majority votes in both chambers and the president’s signature.

Argument in favor

The Trump administration’s decision to allow more short-term, “junk” health insurance plans on the market could increase healthcare costs and premiums for other Americans, hurting those with pre-existing conditions the most. Congress should use the Congressional Review Act to try and overturn the regulation.

Argument opposed

Short-term, limited duration health insurance aren’t for all consumers, but they can be affordable options for people transitioning between jobs and should be available. Even if Congress votes to repeal the Trump administration rule allowing such plans, this resolution will be vetoed by the president.

Impact

Health insurance consumers; healthcare providers; health insurers; and federal agencies.

Cost of S. Joint Res. 63

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced this bill to stop the Trump administration’s expansion of short-term, limited duration “junk” health insurance plans:

“The Trump Administration is rewriting the rules on guaranteed health care protections that millions of Americans depend on. They are moving forward on an expansion of junk insurance plans that can deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and don’t have to cover essential services like prescription drugs, emergency room visits and maternity care.”

Baldwin’s colleague, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) expressed his opposition to Baldwin’s effort to block the expansion of short-term health insurance plans in a statement:

“Senator Baldwin continues to ignore the forgotten men and women, who, under Obamacare, have seen their premiums double, triple and in some cases quadruple. Her solution is to restrict the options families have to choose the health insurance that is right for them.”

This legislation has the support of 45 cosponsors in the Senate, all of whom caucus as Democrats. Baldwin forced a vote on this legislation by signing a discharge petition with 29 other senators, which is all that's need to discharge Congressional Review Act regulatory disapproval resolutions.

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Press Release
  
• Journal Sentinel
  
• Washington Free Beacon