Wicker Introduces Association Health Plans Act of 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., in introducing the Association Health Plans (AHP) Act of 2025. The AHP Act would ensure more small businesses have more affordable health care coverage options. The AHP Act is a pro-patient, pro-worker, and pro-family solution to health care coverage.

"In Mississippi, 99 percent of businesses are considered small businesses. It is imperative that these employers can offer affordable and accessible health insurance coverage to their employees.

The Association Health Plans Act would give small businesses owners and employees more options for health care plans that fit the needs of their employees," said Senator Wicker.

"The Association Health Plans Act gives small businesses and individuals the leverage to negotiate collectively for lower health insurance and lower drug prices. Additionally, the CBO previously estimated that 400,000 uninsured would gain coverage under AHPs and over 3 million people would switch coverage to AHPs," said Senator Paul.

Click here to read the full text of the legislation.

Background:

* Many Americans who don't work for a large corporation don't have leverage to negotiate prices. The AHP Act would allow self-employed individuals and small business employees to enroll in a AHP to have access to large-group health benefits.

* Employer-sponsored health insurance is a great value for those who can get it, but often many Americans who are self-employed or work for a small business are uninsured or can't access affordable plans simply because they don't work for a large corporation.