WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) issued its guidance for mini med policy disclosures:

“Today’s announcement from HHS is a small but important step forward for consumers,” said Chairman Rockefeller. “Consumers need to get the straight story about ‘mini med’ policies that do not protect them if they get seriously sick or injured. We pledged to bring more transparency to the health care process. I’ve heard firsthand about the devastating impact that inadequate coverage can have on individuals and families. These ‘mini med’ policies have gaping holes in coverage and do not help with serious health problems. I am encouraged by HHS taking this step to begin to improve consumer protections as we transition to a fully reformed insurance market in 2014.”

Recently, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing titled, Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance? More information about the hearing can be found here.

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