With enhanced government subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans expiring this year and millions of Americans facing soaring insurance costs, many are expected to consider enrolling in private health insurance "short-term" plans that Trump administration officials have promoted as an alternative to plans sold under "Obamacare." Unlike most insurance, these plans are not required to cover preexisting conditions or even basic needs such as maternity care and mental health.

Robert Hays, an industrial electronics salesman in Arkansas, thought he'd purchased conventional medical insurance. So did Essie Nath, 67, a retired cafeteria worker in Wyoming. So did Martin Liz, 47, a Key West, Fla., chef.

The difference between the two options became all too clear after Hays, Nath and Liz required sur

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