Association Health Plans

Good news on the federal level came this week.  The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved Small Business Health Plan (SBHP) legislation (formerly known as Association Health Plans) by a party-line vote of 11-9!   New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg was one of the 11 supporters. The successful vote was the first Senate vote ever to occur in the challenging 12-year history of the issue.   This victory is a direct result of years of hard work and dedication from the industry and our grassroots.   Our allies in the Senate have confirmed for us the great advocacy job our industry played in this victory.  Although we still have some work ahead of us, we’re very pleased with the progress being made as we try to develop more affordable health care options for employers and their employees.  It is unclear when SBHP legislation will receive consideration by the full Senate, but we are optimistic for a vote in the near future.    Similar legislation has already passed the House.