Association health plans wouldn’t be subject to Obamacare’s requirement that they cover 10 types of essential benefits, such as hospitalizations, drugs and maternity care, and workers who sign up and get an illness such as cancer may face gaps in coverage later. (Photo: AP)

(Bloomberg) –The Trump administration wants to make it easier for small businesses to join together to offer cheaper health-insurance plans that would lack some of the protections required under Obamacare.

The U.S. Labor Department on Tuesday said it plans to issue a rule that would let more small firms and individuals form association health plans, or AHPs. The rule would be phased in, with some types of new association plans allowed to take effect Sept. 1.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

 

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.