Families USA Submits Comments on the Proposed Recission of Association Health Plan (AHP) Final Rule

The proposed rule aims to remove a 2018 regulation that expanded requirements for groups or associations to meet the definition of employer, and therefore able to offer health coverage. This caused considerable concern regarding oversight into AHPs and a lack of consumer protections.

The proposed recission is supported by Families USA due to 1) a history of fraud and insolvency from AHPs, 2) a failure to provide Affordable Care Act (ACA) Essential Health Benefits, and 3) driving up costs for small businesses.

Families USA has a history of opposition to the 2018 rule, filing amicus briefs in the cases State of NY et al. v US DOL and City of Columbus, et al. v. Donald J. Trump, explaining that the rule is unlawful and would harm people who rely on ACA’s reforms for access to comprehensive and affordable care. From 2008 to 2010, an AHP scam was moving across the country affecting at least 23 states, and Families USA followed this closely and generated a report to protect consumers.

Central to Families USA’s mission is the commitment to guaranteeing families and individuals throughout the nation have access to high-quality healthcare improving overall health. Families USA’s comments include several recommendations to improve consumer information and oversight of plans that sell to multiple employers.