The Trump administration is expanding consumers’ eligibility for inexpensive catastrophic health plans in an acknowledgment of looming sticker shock for individuals on the Affordable Care Act exchanges next year.

On Thursday, the HHS announced that more middle-income Americans could sign-up for catastrophic plans, coverage with low monthly premiums but very high deductibles meant to provide protection for emergencies, come November’s open enrollment.

The change could create a new option for consumers who were previously only able to afford ACA coverage under more generous federal subsidies set to expire at the end of this year.

But catastrophic coverage essentially provides the same benefits as bronze plans, a tier of ACA plans that saddle consumers with the highest cost-sharing, and ar

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