Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield continues to partner with MBI and North Risk Partners / The Bearence Management Group to develop an association healthcare plan (AHP) for all eligible MBI members called MBI Plus. This program is being developed in cooperation with state regulators to ensure it complies with the often complex state and federal AHP laws and regulations. AHPs allow members to join together to obtain health insurance coverage. There are eligibility requirements associated with joining MBI Plus. 
Does a recent federal judge’s ruling mean no to Association Health Plans?
In late March, a federal judge sided with 11 states and the District of Columbia who challenged the Trump Administration’s rules on establishing AHPs. In the judge’s opinion, he said that the Administration established these rules as a “clear end run around the Affordable Care Act (ACA)”. AHPs are an effort that have expanded nationwide to allow small businesses to combine their resources to offer health plans outside of the ACA. 

Many MBI members have reached out to ask, “How does this federal judge’s opinion affect MBI’s efforts to establish MBI Plus, an AHP?”

Simply put, after many discussions with our partners at North Risk Partners and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and the Insurance Division, it will not impact our ability to establish an AHP.  There are two concerns that were raised in determining how our partners and the Insurance Division look at our AHP:

  1. Are associations participating in AHPs “bona fide” associations? In the final rule issued by the Trump Administration, a “bona fide” association would have a substantial business purpose that will include the promotion of common business or economic interest and need not be a for-profit activity. MBI clearly meets the definition of “bona fide” association due to our commonality of interest and tight knit memberships relationship to the same industry—commercial construction. 
  2. Is there a concern about allowing sole proprietors into associations? Yes, there is. However, MBI Plus has specific eligibility requirements including the requirement to have 5 enrolled employees. Sole proprietors are not eligible for MBI Plus. 

“We’re telling folks to go ahead and continue forward because right now we anticipate the court ruling may be appealed,” said Andria Seip, Iowa Insurance Division representative said in early April.  She added that over the past two and a half years Iowa has lost nearly half of its individual market, and the department views association health plans as a strong alternative. 

Please refer to the below MBI Plus FAQ for further details on the plan.  
Wellness Program Series
Employee wellness programs are on the rise in many companies as a way to attract top talent, keep them happy, productive, and decrease employee turnover.
The key to having a successful wellness program at work is encouraging overall wellbeing while still keeping it fun. This series each month is designed to provide some ideas to get you started and keep you going.
 
Take the Stairs!
Post a note near the elevator reminding people to take the stairs instead. Show how many calories you burn for each flight of stairs.
 
Offer Discounts to a Local Fitness Center
Many fitness centers will offer a discount if you sign up enough employees. Reach out to some local facilities in your area and ask for discounted group rates.
 
Bonus: Hand out workout “passes”
Help employees stay happy and healthy by giving them a free hour to work out. Create workout “passes” employees can use when they want to come into work an hour late or leave an hour early to squeeze quality workouts into their hectic days. The passes can be valid for one day a week or one day a month, depending on the demands of your office. (You can work with your HR team to create some official policies)  
 
More ideas coming in next month’s issue!
Frequently Asked Questions
MBI Plus | Website