On Wednesday, April 2, NAR testified before the U.S. House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions in support of the Association Health Plans Act. At the hearing, which focused on expanding the access and affordability of employer-sponsored health care, Angela Shields, CEO of Tennessee REALTORS®, expressed NAR’s strong support for the bill to allow self-employed individuals and small businesses to participate in association health plans (AHPs).

The need for comprehensive, affordable health insurance options alongside the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a top concern among real estate professionals. In 2019, REALTOR® associations in Tennessee and other states created AHPs to provide high-quality, low-cost health coverage options to their members. These AHPs offered comprehensive health coverage for pre-existing conditions and all 10 of the ACA’s essential health benefits, with lower deductibles and broader provider networks than ACA plans.

Unfortunately, a federal district court overturned the regulation allowing associations to offer AHPs, forcing them to discontinue their plans. Shields highlighted the devastating impact this had on members, many of whom had serious pre-existing conditions and relied on the affordable, comprehensive health coverage provided by the AHPs.

Chairman Walberg has introduced the Association Health Plans Act, which would allow REALTOR® associations to again offer comprehensive, affordable coverage. Shields emphasized that the bill provides a choice, allowing self-employed individuals and small businesses to decide which works best for them: the ACA or an AHP.

NAR continues to support the ACA but recognizes that high deductibles and limited networks make it unworkable for most NAR members. AHP coverage offers a viable insurance option for those members who find the ACA does not meet their needs. Shields urged Congress to work together to build on the AHP Act to provide a choice to self-employed individuals and small businesses.

Read NAR’s written testimonypdf.

For additional information on NAR’s health insurance advocacy efforts, please visit NAR's Health Care Reform topic page.