The U.S. House of Representatives voted 236-175 to advance the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2017 to the U.S. Senate, HealthPayerIntelligence reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. The bill promotes association health plans. These types of health plans are offered through membership organizations that require dues or participation.
2. The bill would give employers the option to receive health insurance under an AHP. It would override any state law prohibiting such a practice and would limit states from offering insurance connected to an AHP.
3. States would be able to tax the AHP if they pass a law allowing so.
4. The government would require AHP providers to establish a governing body for their. The body would have to outline and follow a three-year plan.
5. The Senate introduced the bill and referred it to the Committee on Health, Education Labor and Pensions.