On December 20, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed to rescind the 2018 Association Health Plans (AHP) final regulations, which provided comprehensive, affordable health coverage options to small employers and self-employed individuals, including real estate professionals.
In a comment letter submitted on February 20, 2024, NAR expressed disappointment with the latest DOL proposal, and set the record straight that REALTOR® AHPs were just as comprehensive but more affordable than health plans under the Affordable Care Act. NAR urged the DOL to:
- Update its workplace benefit policies to address the market evolution toward a gig economy, where workers increasingly choose the flexibility and freedom to work without a traditional employer; and
- Adopt a proposal by the Coalition to Protect and Promote Association Health Plans to restore small business access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance through AHPs.