Association Health Plans Act

S 1847, the Association Health Plans Act, redefines how certain employer groups can form health insurance plans. It allows associations of employers (even across industries) or groups of self-employed individuals to create group health plans, provided they meet specific requirements: at least 51 total employees after aggregation, 2 years of existence, no health-based discrimination, and 75% employer control of the governing board. Self-employed individuals meeting work-hour and business criteria (e.g., 10+ hours/week) can join as both employers and plan participants. The bill requires plans to use community-based pricing (with limited employer-specific adjustments) and prohibits denying coverage or charging more due to health status or pre-existing conditions. This primarily affects small businesses, industry associations, and self-employed workers seeking affordable group health coverage.