The Health Care Reform Circus

In a loss deeply felt by grown-ups, the “Greatest Show on Earth” from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will close forever in May. The Show featured a three-ring circus that overwhelmed and forced us to choose which of the simultaneous acts to watch. In choosing, we often missed something more exciting in another ring.…

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President Proposes Elimination of MEWA Common Bond Requirement

President Obama surprised many folks today by proposing to allow small employers and the self-employed to form multiple employer plans without regard to the “common bond” standard required by the Department of Labor. The elimination of the “common bond” requirement would eliminate one of the highest hurdles to the creation of group benefit programs for…

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Insurance Commissioner Settlement with AHPs

The Washington Insurance Commissioner’s Office (OIC) responded to my public disclosure request and released the settlement agreement signed by the Business Health Trusts (BHT) and Commissioner Kreidler on September 28, 2015. The Agreement includes two exhibits. Exhibit A which alphabetically lists employers in each of the 13 different associations comprising BHT and Exhibit B which…

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The Confusing Morass of Association Health Plan Regulation

Many folks have asked for explanations and guidance on the creation or continuation of association health plans (AHPs) in Washington State. The tortured history of AHP regulation in this state defies any imposition of rational thought, let alone legal explanation. Here’s one example that you can mull over while you’re parked on the interstate. Just…

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