“Short-term limited duration” insurance policies are intended to fill a temporary gap in health coverage. Starting on September 1, 2024, federal regulations will limit coverage under a short-term limited duration plan to a period of three months, with a maximum period of four months if there is an extension or renewal. Also starting September 1, plans must disclose to consumers that their short-term policies is “NOT comprehensive health coverage.” Short-term policies often do not offer other protections found in Marketplace plans. For example, short-term policies can exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions. Short-term policies also typically do not cover essential health benefits such as prescription drugs, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or maternity care. Also, some states have prohibited or greatly restricted the sale of these policies.