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Committee approves bill to expand association health plans despite Democratic objections
Summary
The committee approved H.R. 2,528, the Association Health Plans Act, allowing small businesses and self‑employed individuals to form association health plans; Democrats warned the change would undermine ACA protections and raise costs for many. The ANS was agreed and the bill was reported to the House, 21–15.
Chairman Wahlberg presented H.R. 2,528, the Association Health Plans Act, as a measure to allow small businesses, sole proprietors and self‑employed individuals to band together to purchase health coverage similar to large‑group plans.
Supporters such as Representative Harris said the bill would "put power back in the hands of America's small businesses and workers" by restoring competition and choice and estimated association health plans (AHPs) could reduce costs. Representative Onder and other cosponsors said it levels the playing field with large employers.
Opponents including Representative DeSaulnier, Representative Bonamici and Ranking Member Scott argued the proposal would undercut Affordable Care Act consumer protections, enable cherry‑picking of healthier groups, and could expose consumers to plans that do not cover essential health benefits. DeSaulnier noted opposition from 27 patient organizations and linked the bill to broader Republican proposals he said would reduce coverage nationwide.
Chairman Wahlberg's amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to, and the committee reported H.R. 2,528 to the House by recorded vote, 21–15.
