The AAMC March 5 submitted comments on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed rule on association health plans (AHPs). In its comment letter, the AAMC urges DOL to not finalize the rule as proposed, which would allow groups or associations of employers to join together and form an association for the sole purpose of offering health insurance.
The AAMC appreciates DOL’s efforts to improve the availability of affordable health insurance coverage in the individual and small group markets and believes that consumers must have access to high-quality, high-value providers. However, in the letter, the AAMC expresses concern that the proposal to exempt AHPs from individual and small group market regulations will allow AHPs to offer less comprehensive insurance products; segment the insurance market, leading to de-stabilization and premium increases for sicker individuals; leave patients with inferior health insurance coverage, potentially limiting access to care; and leave providers who treat these patients either underpaid or not paid at all.