Today, the Trump Administration followed up on an October executive order by releasing a new proposed rule that would expand access to association health plans (AHPs). AHPs let small businesses and trade groups band together to purchase health insurance or self-insure.

The intent of the new regulation is to provide more health insurance options at a lower cost. However, many organizations, including the Big “I,” have concerns about how expanding the use of AHPs will impact current health insurance markets and state insurance regulations. AHPs could be exempt from certain Affordable Care Act minimum coverage requirements, as well as from multistate regulatory oversight, which includes many important state insurance regulations and consumer protections.

The Administration is expected to release additional regulatory proposals related to other aspects of health insurance addressed by the October Executive Order in the near future. The Big “I” intends to weigh in with the Administration and Congress throughout the rulemaking process.

Wyatt Stewart is Big “I” senior director of federal government affairs.