The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee unanimously approved a bill by President Pro Tempore Greg Treat that would help more small business owners gain access to affordable health plans.

Senate Bill 943 increases access to association health plans (AHP) by making state law closely reflect federal rule changes that allow more employer groups and associations to form AHPs based on common geography or industry. An AHP lets small business owners group together as if they were a much larger, single employer to obtain health insurance oftentimes at lower rates.