Rep. Wilson Issues Statement on Association Health Plans

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, issued the following statement in support of the Department of Labor's finalized rule that enables more employers to form association health plans:

"I applaud the decision by the Department of Labor, led by Secretary Alex Acosta, and President Donald Trump to give small businesses more affordable healthcare choices. I am grateful for today's decision that expands access to quality, low-cost coverage while maintaining key consumer protections."

As a result of this rule change, employers will be able to form AHPs by city, county, state, or multi-state metropolitan areas. Employers may continue to form nationwide AHPs for specific industries. AHPs cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums to people with a pre-existing health condition or cancel coverage because an employee becomes ill.