Walberg Introduces Legislation to Block Biden's Efforts to Limit Health Care Coverage
Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-05) introduced legislation to block President Biden’s Department of Labor from rescinding a Trump-era rule that expanded association health plans (AHPs). AHPs expand health care options, lower costs for small businesses, and produce cost savings of 29% on average.
"President Biden has campaigned on lowering health care costs for hardworking Americans, but his regulatory agenda tells a far different story,” said Rep. Tim Walberg. “Biden has sought to undo a Trump-era rule, which both lowers health care costs and expands health care options for working Americans and small businesses. The Trump-era AHP rule levels the playing field for small businesses who can band together to get similar bulk rates that large corporations enjoy. I’m proud to continue to lead the fight in Congress against Biden’s attempt to drive up health care costs and limit options for hardworking Americans.”
Cosponsors: Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Michael Burgess (TX-26), Rick Allen (GA-12), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Bob Good (VA-05), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Dusty Johnson (SD-00), and Andy Ogles (TN-05).
Background
- In June 2018, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) released a final rule, “Definition of ‘Employer’ Under Section 3(5) of ERISA—Association Health Plans” (“AHP Final Rule”). The finalized rule expanded the universe of arrangements that can qualify as an association health plan (“AHP”) for purposes of ERISA and also applies large group treatment to qualifying AHP coverage.
- In April, the Biden administration rescinded the 2018 rule that expanded the availability of Association Health Plans.
Congressman Walberg serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.