In an effort to expand access to more affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage, on January 5, 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed a rule allowing self-employed individuals and small employers to purchase health insurance through professional or trade associations by expanding access to Association Health Plans (AHPs). An AHP plan would be treated as a large employer plan under federal law, subject to different rules than plans in the individual and small group insurance markets that tend to be more costly.
NAR supports the proposed rule, which could provide more affordable health insurance options for many REALTORS®. However, there are some important clarifications needed in the rule to maximize participation by self-employed real estate professionals. The final rule could also be subject to legal challenges further delaying finalization.