Labor Rule Allows for AHPs (Association Health Plan)
Monday, July 09, 2018
Written By: Megan Moore
UPDATE FROM NAR CHIEF ECONOMIST LAWRENCE YUN - JULY 10, 2018
A survey will be going out to NAR members to assess current health care asscessibility and of potential future interest in association health care offerings. In light of the recent law that allows for association health care plans NAR wants to gauge what types of offerings we can provide that best serve our members and help in the discussion with potential health care providers. The survey will be sent out to a large sample of respondents, but for survey integrity it is randomly selected members, so you may or may not receive the survey. If you receive the survey please take the time to complete the survey in it's entirety.
What the Association Health Plan Rule Means for REALTORS®
Bottom Line
The ruling is a major step forward for NAR's long-standing advocacy efforts to expand AHP eligibility to independent contractors. This ruling allows NAR to keep up its ongoing program to evaluate potential options for expanding REALTORS® options for access to health insurance coverage. It does not mean that a REALTOR® AHP will be available in the near term, but action continues to explore such options.
What is next?
The road from the DOL ruling to the availability of an AHP is long and not without potential detours. Legal and other challenges could delay implementation of the rule. NAR has been advocating for an AHP solution for decades as a means to expand access to health insurance options for REALTORS® and this final rule makes AHPs one-step closer to achieving that goal. The result of our advocacy efforts, the strategic recommendations of our Member Benefits Team and consultations with health insurance experts have positioned NAR to analyze a potential AHP option in a comprehensive process to help secure best quality health insurance at the most affordable price for all of our members and their families. NAR wants to caution our members that the development of an AHP will be a long process and may not meet the health insurance coverage needs of all members.
Where can I find more information?
NAR's Health Care Reform topic page contains a number of resources on NAR advocacy efforts concerning health insurance availability, including policy statements, Congressional testimony and comment letters to regulatory agencies.
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