Health Insurance Between Jobs in Wisconsin

Short-term health insurance provides temporary medical coverage for individuals and families who need health insurance for a limited period of time. Unlike Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, short-term plans are available year-round and can often begin shortly after approval.

Wisconsin residents ages 18-64 may apply for short-term health insurance. Eligibility is subject to medical underwriting and approval by the insurance carrier.

These plans can be a practical solution for individuals who are between jobs, waiting for employer benefits to begin, recently retired, or seeking temporary health coverage.

Important: Short-term health insurance is not considered minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act and may not provide the same level of benefits and consumer protections as ACA-compliant health plans.

Who Can Benefit from Short-Term Plans?

A temporary health insurance plan may be a good fit if you:

Are between jobs and need coverage until your next employer plan begins
Want an affordable alternative to COBRA
Are a part-time or temporary employee without benefits
Recently retired and are waiting for Medicare eligibility
Are a young adult no longer eligible for a parent’s plan
Need a short-term alternative to standard individual health insurance

Short-Term Health Insurance Rules in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, short-term health insurance plans:

Have an initial term limit of up to 364 days
May be renewed, but total coverage cannot exceed 18 consecutive months
Require less than 63 days between coverage periods to be considered consecutive

What Short-Term Health Plans Cover

Short-term health insurance plans generally have lower monthly premiums than traditional health insurance plans. However, they also provide more limited coverage.

Coverage varies by carrier and plan, but plans may include:

Emergency room care
Hospitalization due to a covered illness or injury
Physician office visits
Diagnostic testing and imaging
Certain outpatient services

What Short-Term Health Plans Typically Do Not Cover

Most short-term health insurance plans do not cover:

Pre-existing conditions
Preventive care
Maternity care
Mental health services
Routine medical needs

Many plans also include waiting periods for illness-related claims.

Coverage limitations and exclusions vary by carrier and plan design. Be sure to review policy details carefully before enrolling.

Is a Short-Term Health Plan Right for You?

Short-term health insurance may be a good option if you need temporary coverage and understand its limitations.

If you qualify for premium tax credits or need comprehensive coverage that includes preventive care, maternity benefits, mental health services, or coverage for pre-existing conditions, an ACA-compliant health plan may be a better choice.

If you’re looking for individual or family ACA coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to explore available options.