The White House has finished reviewing a final rule regarding the use of association health plans, which are seen as a more affordable option for small businesses and self-employed individuals compared to traditional employer-sponsored plans. The final rule, known as 1210-AC16, was approved on April 22 by the White House Office of Management and Budget. It is expected to be officially released in the near future by the Department of Labor.
The rule proposed in December 2023 aims to revoke a 2018 Trump-era rule that expanded the definition of “employer”. This expansion allowed self-employed individuals and more small employers to come together and pool their resources to purchase health insurance. This change was intended to provide more options and cost savings for individuals and businesses seeking health insurance coverage.