In our previous 2020 Legislative Agenda blog, the first item mentioned was Association Health Plans (AHP). We hope you’ve followed our push for AHPs since 2018. While we haven’t gotten across the finish line yet, we’ve built up a lot of bi-partisan momentum with our advocacy and RPAC efforts heading into the upcoming legislative session.

Be on the lookout for opportunities to engage with lawmakers on the issue, such as responding to Calls For Action or talking with legislators during visits to Richmond. We’ll provide you with the details, but we need your unified REALTOR^® voice.

A few key points we’ll try to get across to lawmakers include the following:

• In any given year, up to 20% of Virginia REALTORS^® go without health insurance because they can’t afford it. Often, the price of monthly premiums rival that of a mortgage.
• As independent contractors, REALTORS^® are unique in that they don’t have access to traditional employer-based health insurance. Our members shouldn’t be frozen out of the health insurance market because of the career they chose.
• The bill we are pursuing provides comprehensive coverage compliant with the Affordable Care Act. It covers Essential Health Benefits, such as outpatient care and prescription drug coverage, and it protects those with pre-existing conditions.
• Association Health Plans simply provide another option to hard-working Virginians to get quality, affordable health insurance coverage for their families.

Also, check out the recent column Virginia REALTORS^® 2020 President Kemper Funkhouser wrote for the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

We’ll keep you posted on all the developments on AHPs as we move forward. As always, feel free to contact us at advocacy@virginiarealtors.org with questions or comments.