ATTN: Members who are enrolled in Humana medical, dental and/or vision plans:
We would like to apologize for not being the first to alert you in writing about an upcoming change to the Humana plans. The timing of the letter you received from HUB today came as a surprise to us.
At our TNEX summit earlier this month, our Board of Directors was updated on the situation of the Association Health Care Plan during their Caucus Briefing.
On March 28, 2019, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia struck down parts of the Association Health Plan (AHP) rule finalized by the Department of Labor last summer that expanded access to health insurance benefits through these plans. In this case, twelve attorneys general (AGs) filed suit against DOL challenging the final rule, arguing among other things, that it exceeded DOL’s statutory authority to expand coverage of AHPs, including to self-employed individuals (sole proprietors, like real estate professionals).
It is anticipated that DOL will ask for a stay, allowing for the final rule to remain effective while an appeal is pursued, which could take up to an additional 12 to 24 months. NAR is analyzing the potential nationwide impact of this decision and working with state and local associations that have already implemented and are pursuing AHPs as a benefit option, to better understand the local impact.
Our plan renews on June 1. We are hoping to find a solution before that time; however, federal law requires Humana to provide a 90-day notice of termination, which they have done given that they will not be able to renew.
We are committed to look for a solution if at all possible, as we fought hard to offer insurance, and we understand the importance of this benefit for our membership. Please know that we will keep you updated with information over the next 90 days. We have our state lobbying team looking at every option, and we are working with NAR and the DOL for every possible option available.
Please know will do everything possible.
At the end of the 90-day period, those without insurance are eligible to join other plans due to the fact their insurance was terminated. HUB will provide additional information and explanation.
For more information on the federal case, please visit: https://www.nar.realtor/…/federal-court-vacates-ahp…
