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MEWA News

MEWA Association of America’s Response to the Proposed Association Health Plan (“AHP”) Regulations

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to expand the opportunity of offering employment-based health insurance to small businesses through Small Business Health Plans. MEWA Association of America, a trade association promoting the interests of self-insured MEWAs, has provided its response to the NPRM.

Click here to read MAA’s Response to the Proposed Association Health Plan (“AHP”) Regulations.

MEWA News

MEWA News by State

CALIFORNIA:

July 19: 2018: California’s ACA Rates To Rise 8.7% Next Year

“Premiums in California’s health insurance exchange will rise by an average of 8.7 percent next year, marking a return to more modest increases despite ongoing threats to the Affordable Care Act.” See the article here.

COLORADO:

August 15, 2018: Health insurance available through chamber collaboration

“New federal regulations allow Boulder City businesses to have access to group health insurance coverage through the chamber of commerce.” See the article here.

IOWA:

March 27, 2018: Iowa Senate Approves Health Plan Option 

“Legislation that will allow multiple small businesses and associations to offer health coverage plans — that don’t comply with the federal Affordable Care Act rules — for Iowans who can’t get affordable individual health insurance is on its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk for her expected signature.” See the article here.

ILLINOIS:

August 10, 2018: Trump administration OK’s cheaper insurance but Illinois may not participate

“President Donald Trump’s administration has finalized an exemption allowing for a much cheaper health insurance plan. Advocates and businesses say the affordable choice will lead to more insured but others worry it’s woefully inadequate coverage.” See the article here.

NEVADA:

August 17, 2018: Nevada Division of Insurance receives association health plan filing for chambers of commerce

“After the Department of Labor issued the final rule on Association Health Plans in June, the Nevada Division of Insurance has received the first fully-insured Association Health Plan filing for the Henderson, Boulder City and Latin Chambers of Commerce in Nevada.” See the article here.

August 15, 2018: Nevada Chambers Unite to Form Association Health Plan

Following the Labor Department issuing its final rule on association health plans in June, three chambers of commerce are launching an AHP this month. See the article here.

August 9, 2018: Three chambers of commerce join together to offer new association health plan

“Three chambers of commerce in Southern Nevada are banding together to take advantage of a new Trump administration rule that makes it easier for small businesses to collectively purchase health insurance.” See the article here.

August 10, 2018: Clark County chambers offer ‘very decent’ health insurance plans

“Three local business associations have partnered with UnitedHealthcare to offer 10 insurance plans targeted at small businesses and sole proprietors.” See the article here.

NEW HAMPSHIRE:

March 14, 2018: Self-Insurance Purchasing Alliance Legislation Passes Senate, Goes to the House

Senate Bill 564 takes existing law permitting groups to form groups similar to association health plans, but adds a self-insured option. Under this legislation, purchasing alliances can be formed by groups of 250 or fewer members.

NEW MEXICO:

August 14, 2018: New Mexico insurer urges judge: Scrap risk adjustment rule

“New Mexico Health Connections, whose lawsuit prompted CMS to temporarily pause the ACA’s risk adjustment program last month, is now asking a federal judge to toss out the agency‘s new risk adjustment rule, arguing that it was illegally enacted.” See the article here.

NEW YORK:

August 11, 2018: State trims health insurers’ rate increases for 2019

“Three of the main health insurers serving the Buffalo Niagara region will raise their average rates for individual plans by 0.6 percent to 13.7 percent in 2019, while a fourth insurer will reduce its rate.” See the article here.

NORTH CAROLINA:

June 15, 2018: A bill promising cheaper health insurance fails in NC House. Is it dead?

“A proposal to make cheaper health insurance options available in North Carolina was rejected by the state House late Thursday after lawmakers from both parties said they need time to review the controversial concept.” See the article here.

June 14, 2018: N.C. Legislation Could Open Door for Unregulated Health Plans

“HB 933 would allow plans that would be exempt from state and federal regulations, which could mean cheaper premiums for some. But others fear the plans could hurt consumers and further weaken the ACA exchange.” See the article here.

TENNESSEE:

May 22, 2018: Why Health Insurance Rates In Tennessee May Finally Be Leveling Out

“After years of price spikes, the individual health insurance marketplace in Tennessee is showing signs of stabilizing — even though monthly premiums are expected to take another big jump nationally. The difference, says Tennessee’s largest insurer, is that it already planned for some of the latest changes to the Affordable Care Act.” See the article here.

TEXAS:

August 18, 2018: Chamber announces association health plan

“The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced a new health insurance plan for members at a news conference last week. The West Texas Employer Health Plan is expected to begin offering coverage on Oct. 1. The Chamber has not publicly announced the insurance company coverage will be provided through, but the company provides national coverage.” See the article here.

August 15, 2018: Lubbock Chamber launches association health plan made possible by new regulations

“The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce today announced new health insurance plan options for small business members, made possible by Association Health Plan rules issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) last month.” See the article here.

VERMONT:

August 1, 2018: Vermont regulators issue emergency rule on Association Health Plans

“State oficials on Wednesday filed emergency regulations aimed at a new rule by the Trump administration that makes it easier for small businesses to band together to buy health insurance for workers. The new rule by the U.S. Department of Labor expands Association Health Plans, or AHPs, which proponents say will make health coverage more affordable for small businesses and the self-employed.”

July 19, 2018: DFR seeks input on health plan rules

“The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation plans to file emergency regulations by Aug. 1 in response to the United States Department of Labor’s recently issued final rule regarding Association Health Plans.”

VIRGINIA:

March 16, 2018: Self Insured Association Health Plan Legislation Goes to the Governor

Virginia legislature has sent legislation authorizing a self-insured multiple employer welfare arrangement option. Senate Bill 934 authorized association health plans for associations that have been in existence for ten years. The bill was sent to the governor on March 16th and he has until April 8th to act. If the governor does not act, under the Virginia Constitution, the bill will become law.

August 10, 2018: State begins study to stabilize insurance markets, lower premiums

“Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration will convene a new work group on Monday to consider options to stabilize soaring premiums in Virginia’s health insurance market.” See the article here.

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