Bill > S1847

This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to expand the definition of an "employer" for association health plans (AHPs), allowing groups of employers to create health insurance plans with more flexible rules. The bill enables groups of employers from different industries to form health plans, even if they are not in the same trade or profession, provided they meet specific criteria such as having at least 51 employees, being in existence for two years, and having a formal governing structure. The legislation also allows self-employed individuals to participate in these plans if they meet certain requirements, like having a bona fide business ownership and working at least 10 hours per week. The bill establishes rules for premium rate calculations, allowing plans to use modified community rating methodologies and consider the specific risk profiles of employer members. Additionally, the legislation maintains important protections against discrimination, prohibiting plans from denying coverage based on health status or pre-existing conditions. The bill aims to provide more affordable and accessible health insurance options for small businesses and self-employed individuals by creating more flexible association health plan regulations while preserving key consumer protections.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1847/all-info