Catastrophic plans have lower premiums and higher deductibles than other policies sold on the exchange. They were intended only for people under 30, but the federal government on Thursday night announced an exception for people whose old health plans are being canceled.
Access Health said the new option is available to people whose plans were canceled because they did not comply with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, the federal health law commonly known as Obamacare.
The policy change announced Thursday night does not change the existing enrollment deadlines for Access Health. To receive coverage that starts Jan. 1, people must apply by Monday and pay their first premium bill by Jan. 10. People can still sign up for insurance through the exchange after Monday, but their coverage will start Feb. 1 at the earliest. The open enrollment period ends March 31.