Expanding Group Health Plan Access for Small Businesses and Self-Employed Workers.
This law makes it easier for small businesses and self-employed individuals to form large groups (Association Health Plans) to jointly purchase health insurance. This allows them to access group rates and plans traditionally reserved for large companies, potentially lowering costs. The new rules permit these associations to form across different industries while maintaining strong protections against discrimination based on pre-existing conditions.
Key points
Small employers and self-employed individuals can form large associations to negotiate and offer group health coverage to their workers.
These plans must comply with federal rules prohibiting denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions and discrimination based on health status.
Premium rates for small employers (with at least one common law employee) can be adjusted based on the specific risk profile of that employer member, potentially affecting costs based on the health of their workforce.
Introduced
Citizen Poll