Multiple business groups have formed a new coalition to promote the expansion of association health plans and to take advantage of new rules easing federal restrictions on association-sponsored insurance coverage.

The Coalition to Protect and Promote Association Health Plans "seeks to create best practices to ensure consumer protection and quality," according to a statement by founding member the International Franchise Association. At least 17 organizations are members of the coalition.

"Association health plans can help deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care for millions of Americans and the franchise business model is uniquely suited to create plans for millions of Americans," said Matt Haller, IFA's senior vice president of government relations and public affairs. "IFA is pleased to be a part of this coalition working to make health care more affordable for small business owners and employees."

Last year, Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Labor to draft new rules allowing small businesses to more easily obtain employee health insurance through AHPs. Such plans are exempt from Affordable Care Act coverage requirements and, as a result, supporters say they would cost less than insurance that meets the requirements.

The rules released by the Labor Department earlier this year ease AHPs restrictions but keep in place most state regulations. No national associations have yet launched AHPs, but a handful of state and local business groups have announced plans to offer their own plans.

In addition to IFA, other members of the coalition include the American Farm Bureau Federation; American Society of Association Executives; American Veterinary Medical Association; Associated Employers Benefit & Trust; Association of Web-Based Health Insurance Brokers; Financial Services Institute; Foundation for Government Accountability; Indiana Credit Union League; International Franchise Association; Michigan Dental Association; National Apartment Association; National Association of Realtors; National Federation of Independent Business; National Restaurant Association; National Marine Manufacturers Association; and the Transportation Intermediaries Association.

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