Association Health Plans Act

H.R. 2528 would amend federal law to allow small businesses and self-employed individuals to form association health plans (AHPs) and purchase health coverage together. By pooling their employees, these groups would gain bargaining power similar to large employers, potentially accessing lower premiums, broader provider networks, and reduced deductibles compared to individual marketplace plans. The bill would allow associations to operate across state lines and self-fund their plans, while freeing them from certain state-mandated benefit requirements.

The legislation includes consumer protections: associations must exist for at least two years, cannot condition membership based on health status, and cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Supporters argue the bill could reduce health care costs for small business employees and self-employed workers. The bill has passed committee review and is eligible for a House floor vote, though it would still need Senate approval and presidential signature to become law.