11.01.2018 07.36 CST

Under the proposed regulation, a group of employers could be considered as an “employer” under ERISA if the employers had a “commonality of interest.” This is defined very loosely in the proposed regulation.

Association Health Plans on the Move

Association Health Plans on the Move

Proposed new rule opens way for a new type of health plan.

A new proposed regulation opens the way to expand association health plans (AHPs). AHPs are plans sponsored by a group of unrelated employers, linked by factors such as a common industry or geography. These AHP plans will be allowed to offer reduced benefits in order to lower the cost of coverage. The stated goal of the proposed regulation is to make it easier for small employers to buy lower cost health insurance. However, the new plans create risks for employees, employers and insurance markets.

26.11.2017 03.24 CST

Allegations about a fraudulent multiple employer plan raises concerns about the Trump Administration efforts to increase availability of similar plans.

A Sheep in Black Wolf’s Clothing: A Cautionary Tale

A Sheep in Black Wolf’s Clothing: A Cautionary Tale

The Department of Labor has shut down a multiple employer welfare association (MEWA) plan that allegedly pocketed health insurance premiums and left tens of millions in unpaid claims. There are some important lessons to be learned.

The U.S. Department of Labor has taken legal action against a multiple employer welfare association (MEWA) plan, alleging the MEWA organizers fraudulently pocketed tens of millions of dollars, while leaving claims unpaid. There are some important lessons to be learned as the Trump Administration’s seeks to increase the use of similarly structured Association Health Plans (AHPs).