States Seek Clarity on Association Health Plans

According to Politico Pro:

“State regulators have been holding weekly calls with the Department of Labor to discuss recent finalized rules making it easier for small businesses to band together to offer health coverage.

But the most recent call to discuss association health plans, scheduled for July 27, was canceled at the last minute and no more calls are scheduled, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

[…]

State regulators are trying to pin down what authority they’ll have to set rules for the plans, especially those products that are sold in multiple states. The halt in communications with the Labor Department has sparked concerns that there won’t be any clarity forthcoming from the federal government.

[…]

There have been significant problems with association health plans in the past, including companies running out of money and failing to pay claims. That makes regulators cautious even in those states where there’s optimism the new regulations will bring more coverage options for individuals.”

ANCOR is following this issue because of its potential applicability to state I/DD provider associations.