Different Types of Plans

Associations can offer group health insurance plans (association health plans, or AHPs) specially designed for their members and that give their members purchasing power because of the group’s larger pool of enrollees.

In October 2017, an executive order was signed that calls for expanding access to AHPs. The idea is to let small businesses join together in order to offer large group coverage, rather than each small business having to obtain its own small group plan.

This is an attractive idea for some small businesses (primarily those with healthy employees), because the ACA places far fewer regulations on large group plans. While small group plans have to cover the essential health benefits and cannot base premiums on the group’s medical history, those rules do not apply to large groups.

When shopping for health options, it’s important to know that there are choices available. There is no one-size-fits-all coverage and ultimately, the health options coverage one goes with is going to have to suit his or her needs. The plans differ but there are different types of coverages to choose from. With this being said, let’s go over these health insurance options.