From a cost standpoint, short-term plans are attractive, eHealth said. Consider these findings:

The average monthly premium for individual short-term plans purchased through eHealth in 2014 was $110
The average monthly premium for family short-term plans purchased through eHealth in 2014 was $262
By comparison, average premiums for individual major medical plans selected by unsubsidized eHealth shoppers during the 2015 open enrollment period were $286 per month for individuals and $727 per month for families
Between 2013 and 2014, average monthly premiums for short-term plans purchased through eHealth increased 7 percent (from $103 to $110) for individuals and 17 percent (from $224 to $262) for families

Short-term plans have far smaller deductibles than major medical plans. The eHealth survey reported the following:

The average annual deductible for individual short-term plans selected by eHealth shoppers in 2014 was $3,589; the average annual deductible for families was $8,566
By comparison, average annual deductibles for major medical plans selected by unsubsidized eHealth shoppers during the 2015 open enrollment period were $4,120 for individuals and $7,760 for families
Between 2013 and 2014, average monthly annual deductibles for short-term plans purchased through eHealth increased 18 percent (from $3,047 to $3,589) for individuals and 26 percent (from $6,816 to $8,566) for families

"We've seen a significant shift in the marketplace as consumers turn to affordable short-term coverage as an alternative to ACA-compliant health plans, even though these do not provide the same benefits and protections as major medical plans," said eHealth CEO and Chairman Gary Lauer. "We believe that interest in short-term coverage may increase dramatically if the Supreme Court rules for the plaintiff in the case of King vs. Burwell and the ruling results in the loss of health insurance subsidies for millions of Americans."

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Short-term coverage surges

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