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Bill

S 910

An Act relative to association health plans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Massachusetts bill establishing state regulatory framework for association health plans to balance small business insurance affordability with member financial protections.

Hearing scheduled for 06/18/2025 from 11:00 AM-03:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
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Bill Summary · S 910

Legislative bill overview

S. 910 proposes to regulate association health plans (AHPs) in Massachusetts, which are health insurance arrangements where small businesses or self-employed individuals band together to purchase coverage collectively. The bill would establish state-level oversight and requirements for these plans, likely including consumer protections, financial standards, and operational guidelines for how AHPs function within Massachusetts.

Why is this important

Association health plans can potentially offer smaller employers more competitive insurance rates through group purchasing power, but they've been controversial due to past instances of inadequate funding, limited consumer protections, and member disputes. How Massachusetts structures AHP regulation directly affects whether small business owners and self-employed workers gain affordable coverage access or face financial risk from under-capitalized plans.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: AHPs operate under both federal ERISA rules and state insurance laws; the bill may create regulatory conflicts or overlap with federal oversight, raising questions about which level of government has primary authority
  • Cost and consumer protections: Stricter state requirements could make AHPs more expensive (reducing their cost advantage) or alternatively, lighter regulation might inadequately protect members from plan insolvency and claim denials
  • Competitive impact: Regulation could either level the playing field between AHPs and traditional small group insurers, or disadvantage one sector depending on how requirements are structured

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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