HHS Expands Access to Catastrophic-Level Obamacare Health Plans

Individuals who make too much or too little to qualify for assistance on the Obamacare health insurance exchanges can now apply for an exemption to purchase “catastrophic” plans during open enrollment starting Nov. 1, according to guidance the Trump administration released Thursday.

The lower-premium plans come with higher deductibles, though they still cover all of the Affordable Care Act’s 10 essential health benefits and three pre-deductible primary care visits per year. The plans are geared toward “young invincibles” under the age of 30 who use little health care, but are also available to those experiencing hardships.

The change comes as ...