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May 21, 2021Topeka, Kan. |  By: AP

Kansas governor vetoes bill on short-term health insurance


TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill that could have encouraged some people to stick longer with short-term health coverage that critics label "junk insurance."

The measure she vetoed Wednesday is favored by many Republican lawmakers. Backers said the bill would have given people who buy limited duration health insurance more protection against premium increases or coverage changes.

Such plans last up to a year and offer lower premiums than comprehensive plans but don't cover pre-existing medical conditions and other items.

The bill would have allowed a consumer to buy new plans for two additional years without having the terms reconsidered. Kelly said lawmakers should expand Medicaid instead.