Association Health Plans Act
House Committee Advances Association Health Plans Act to Expand Group Coverage for Small Employers
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress would let groups of employers count as one “employer” so they can sponsor one shared health plan, even if they’re in different industries.
- The group must meet guardrails, like being around at least 2 years, not being created mainly to sell health coverage, and not being run by an insurance company.
- The plan generally must cover only employees of member employers, but it also lets certain self-employed people join if they work at least 10 hours a week and have no employees.
- Plans could set a base premium for the whole group, then adjust what each employer pays based on that employer’s risk profile, if state law allows it.
- The bill says offering coverage through one of these groups should not be used to claim the member businesses are “joint employers” under other laws.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 357.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-409.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 15.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
GOP rep proposes legislation blocking Biden from rescinding Trump rule that expanded association health plans
Rep. Tim Walberg introduced legislation to block the Biden administration from rescinding a Trump-era rule that expanded Association Health Plans (AHPs). The bill aims to codify the rule, allowing small businesses and self-employed workers to save on costs by banding together for group coverage.
House Republicans stand firm on association health plans
House Republicans advanced a resolution supporting association health plans, arguing they offer flexibility and lower costs for small businesses. Critics, including Democrats and hospital groups, warned the plans could sidestep ACA protections and destabilize the broader insurance market.
What to expect in Washington (June 7)
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce advanced the Association Health Plans Act along party lines. Republicans argued the bill increases coverage options for small employers, while Democrats raised concerns about the quality of coverage and the loss of consumer protections.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Association Health Plans Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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