Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the Department of Labor issued a  final rule to help make more affordable health insurance options available to Americans though expanded access to Association Health Plans:

“Small businesses and self-employed Hoosiers are struggling to afford skyrocketing health insurance premiums and deductibles under the Affordable Care Act. I commend the Trump Administration for addressing this problem by allowing self-employed individuals and small businesses to purchase association health care plans based on industry and geographical location. This change will allow more people to have affordable access to health insurance, while maintaining important consumer protections. Through this rule change, the Trump Administration is helping to ensure that consumers can have access to a health care plan that best fits their needs and their budget.”

The rule modifies the definition of “employer” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). An association can show commonality of interest by its members by geography or industry if the members are either:

·       In the same trade, industry or profession throughout the United States.

·       In the same principle place of business within the same state or metropolitan area, even if the metro are crosses state lines.