A Step Forward for Association Health Plans AHB has been a long-time proponent of N association health plans, which would empower small businesses to pool together to purchase health insurance plans for their employees. Now that President Trump has signed an executive order that would ease restrictions on association health plans, what’s the next step to make this a reality for local HBAs across the land? While we are very excited by Trump’s actions in signing the executive order on association health plans, there are still a lot of unanswered questions moving forward. Though the general intent is clear, the executive order itself does not change existing law. Rather, it directs federal agencies to determine the extent of the regulatory actions they can pursue to meet the President’s health care directives. Those actions are likely limited compared to legislative steps like NAHBsupported bills passed by the House and pending in the Senate that could make more substantive and permanent changes to the law to expand the ability of businesses to form association health plans. The executive order directs the Department of Labor to consider proposing regulations or guidance on association health plans within 60 days. As a result, it will be weeks if not months before we see a proposal take shape. NAHB will have a better idea of how plans would need to be structured and how state insurance regulators will respond once that becomes available. Read More Eliminate the Dust: Complying With the New Silica Standard A s NAHBNow has reported, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has decreased the permissible levels of exposure to crystalline silica for construction. NAHB has told policy makers from the start that this wide-reaching rule will be difficult to meet and enforce. But it’s the law of the land, pending any change from NAHB’s legal challenge still outstanding. Dan Johnson, CSP, managing partner of SFI Compliance Inc., a national safety consulting firm and member of the NAHB Safety Committee, told us what home builders need to know to comply with the new rule and avoid fines. Read More BEAUTY. ELEGANCE. STRENGTH. Our Aluminum Doors Will Surprise You. Ed’s Garage Doors offers a broad selection of aluminum doors that are the perfect complement to your home. Visit our showroom to see many exclusive aluminum doors on display, and talk with a design expert about our countless in-stock and custom options. Showroom Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Evenings: By appointment Sunday: Closed 136 Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 203-847-1284 edsgaragedoors.com ® OCTOBER 2017 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29
30 Publizr Home