Actuaries Back Move to Undo 2018 Association Health Plan Rule

The American Academy of Actuaries has urged the Biden administration to follow through on its proposal to rescind a controversial 2018 rule that granted more regulatory leeway to association health plans (AHPs). Rescinding the 2018 AHP regulations will protect consumers and strengthen the actuarial health of the Affordable Care Act exchanges, according to Academy Senior Health Fellow Cori Uccello and a February public comment letter from the organization.   

The comments by the professional association are in response to a December 2023 regulatory proposal that followed through on long-expected plans to rescind the 2018 rulemaking. Those regulations, put forward by the Trump administration, significantly loosened the requirements that apply to AHPs and their close cousins, multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs). The 2018 rule was never implemented, however, because it was largely blocked by a summary judgment issued as a result of litigation by 11 states and the District of Columbia.