A Georgia Republican is introducing legislation that allows consumers to use “short-term” insurance plans for up to three years, reinstating a first-term Trump policy as Republicans return to power in Washington.

Rep. Buddy Carter accused the Biden administration of erroneously reining in short-term plans, which do not have to comply with Obamacare’s coverage requirements, even as Americans struggled with inflation and high costs.

“Limiting Americans’ access to health care is never good policy, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis courtesy of the Biden-Harris administration,” Mr. Carter said. “I’m proud to lead this effort ensuring that health care is accessible and available to all patients in need and will continue working hand-in-hand with the incoming Trump administration to Make America Healthy Again.”

The Trump administration in 2018 allowed people to rely on short-term plans that do not comply with Obamacare for up to 364 days, with optional extensions that maxed out at 36 months.

Mr. Trump said President Obama went too far in limiting the duration of these plans to three months.

The rule enraged Democrats, who dubbed the plans “junk” and said it was an attempt to get around the 2010 Affordable Care Act and its coverage requirements.

The short-term plans do not have to cover people with preexisting medical conditions and do not have to include benefits like prescription drugs or maternity care.

Yet Republicans said they offered an affordable alternative to Obamacare plans that were too costly for healthier people. Some consumers felt that, under Obamacare, they were footing the bill for an influx of sicker customers and a suite of benefits they would never use.

Administrations have toggled back and forth between permissive and restrictive durations of short-term plans.

Mr. Biden issued a rule that said short-term plans should not last more than 90 days, with an optional one-month extension.

Republicans want to change the standard back through legislation because Mr. Biden issued a final rule, meaning Mr. Trump can’t undo it with an executive order.

Passing a bill would also be faster than going through the rule-making process.

Mr. Carter is sponsoring the Trump-inspired legislation alongside Republican Reps. Vern Buchanan of Florida, Dan Crenshaw of Texas, Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania, Rick Allen of Georgia, Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Julia Letlow of Louisiana.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.