[20180209]LSB10078_协会健康计划：劳工部拟议规则的一些关键方面.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Legal SidebarLegal Sidebari i Association Health Plans: Some Key Aspects of the Labor Departments Proposed Rule February 9, 2018 Association health plans (AHPs) are in the spotlight due to a recent Labor Department proposed rule that aims to broaden access to this type of health insurance coverage. The proposed rule responds to an October 2017 executive order issued by President Trump, which directed his Administration to consider administrative initiatives that “expand choices and alternatives to Obamacare plans and increase competition to bring down costs for consumers.” Some have applauded the Trump Administrations efforts to make health coverage more affordable and readily available through AHPs. Others have raised concerns that the proposed rule would promote coverage that lacks important consumer protections and detrimentally impact other segments of the insurance market. As the debate continues over the merits of the proposed rule, the legal framework behind this regulatory change may be examined. This Sidebar provides brief background on AHPs and the executive order, an overview of some of the key aspects of the pr