When experiencing a major life change, there are a lot of things to worry about. Your health insurance coverage shouldn’t be one of them. If you are in between jobs, employee benefits or college semesters, you have options to avoid coverage gaps — with a short-term, limited duration (STLD) health plan.
Sanford Safeguard is an STLD health plan available through Sanford Health Plan. With three-month to six-month period options, Sanford Safeguard can help you feel confident when facing those unpredictable moments in life where you need a health plan fast.
Understanding STLD health plans
An STLD plan bridges your coverage when transitioning from one health plan to another, providing access to affordable, temporary — less than 12 months — health insurance coverage during those periods where you are without.
This coverage is limited, however, and does not meet the minimum essential coverage requirement defined by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). What this means is that you are not receiving a comprehensive health plan that satisfies the ACA’s requirement for health insurance coverage. But, you are protected in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.
There are many benefits with this type of plan. In addition to a low monthly premium, STLD coverage can begin as early as the day after applying, if approved — a great option for those who need health insurance immediately.
Determining eligibility
Anyone 18 to 64 years old without coverage who resides within North Dakota and South Dakota can sign up for Sanford Safeguard. You can request STLD coverage for yourself, your spouse between the ages of 18 to 64, and your dependent children under the age of 26.
With Sanford Safeguard, you have access to a broad network consisting of 25,000 primary and specialty providers across Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Plus, you get coverage that includes:
- An affordable monthly premium
- A $50 co-pay doctor’s visit (limited to one co-pay visit per three months, and coverage is for participating providers only)
- Emergency room and ambulance coverage
- Urgent care benefits
- $0 virtual care
- Member discounts on hearing, vision and dental services
Should you need a health plan solely for your child, a child-only plan is available through Sanford Health Plan for any children ages 2 to 18. Termination of a child’s coverage would occur if any of the following occur:
- The child is on your STLD health plan and your coverage terminates.
- The child ceases to meet Sanford Health Plan’s eligibility requirements.
- The child becomes eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
If you need to end your coverage, you can request so before the next monthly premium. Otherwise, coverage ends automatically if the monthly premium is not paid, when someone enters full-time active duty in the armed forces, or should the health plan determine intentional fraud, misrepresentation in filing a claim or ineligibility.
To learn more about Sanford Safeguard, talk to a local agent at (888) 535-4831. Our certified experts are here to help you make the best decision for your needs, budget and family.
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