By Joann Volk, Sabrina Fratellelli, and Justin
On September 4, 2025, the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Companies (HHS) launched steering increasing eligibility for catastrophic well being plans. These plans have been created by the Inexpensive Care Act (ACA) and are presently accessible to a narrowly outlined universe of people based mostly on age and particular circumstances, and are designed to offer fundamental safety from catastrophic well being prices. Noting a necessity to assist folks “deal with the numerous rise in medical insurance premiums,” HHS’ steering considerably expands the universe of people eligible for these plans, with potential implications for customers’ entry to premium tax credit, states’ particular person insurance coverage markets, and premiums for each catastrophic and particular person market “steel stage” (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) plans.
Of their newest Knowledgeable Perspective for the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis’s State Well being & Worth Methods program, CHIR’s JoAnn Volk, Sabrina Corlette, and Justin Giovannelli assessment HHS’ new steering and assess the implications for customers, insurance coverage markets, and state insurance coverage regulators. You may learn the complete submit right here.
