05/01/2025

ASAE Voices Support for Legislation to Expand Access to AHPs

Association health plans have faced significant hurdles

Earlier this week, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) submitted a letter to House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) in support of H.R. 2528, the Association Health Plans Act— a bill that would expand access to association health plans (AHPs) for small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Walberg reintroduced the bill on April 1. AHPs are a type of group plan that allows multiple employers to band together to purchase health coverage to access group rates, broader networks and better coverage options for their employees.

ASAE's letter emphasized that associations are increasingly concerned about rising health care costs and the limited options available to provide affordable, comprehensive coverage. Walberg’s legislation would create a regulatory environment that enables associations to offer high-quality group health plans to their members, modeled after large-employer plans.

"Association health plans are a common-sense solution for smaller employers seeking affordable coverage," the letter states. "Many associations are ready and willing to offer high-quality plans and would not risk their reputation by doing otherwise."

ASAE also noted that associations are significant economic drivers, accounting for more than one million jobs and billions in annual economic impact. Ensuring access to affordable healthcare is essential to sustaining this role in the workforce and economy. ASAE will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen the association community and the broader business environment.

This article was provided to OSAP by ASAE's Power of Associations and Inroads.