The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released a final rule amending the definition of short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, also known as “skinny” insurance. The previous rule set a maximum duration for these plans of less than three months. Under the revised rule released Wednesday, these plans may have a maximum duration of less than 12 months and may be renewed or extended for up to 36 months. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said that the federal rule will provide the states needed flexibility, and that the Iowa Insurance Division will issue new rules to ensure consumer protections are in place for Iowa residents who purchase the plans. “Roughly 26,000 Iowans fled Iowa’s ACA individual health insurance market in the past year due to skyrocketing premium and deductible costs,” Ommen said in a release. “Those Iowans need an option to purchase a more affordable plan with coverages that fit their individual needs.”