State insurance commissioner discusses health insurance

Health insurance continues to be a concern for Realtors® and other independent contractors. Recently, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman stopped by the PAR office to discuss insurance issues with me.

We talked about several health insurance-related issues, including association health plans, individual plans, what consumers should be wary about when choosing a plan and options for independent contractors.

She also outlined a recent bill signed by Gov. Tom Wolf which will allow Pennsylvania to create its own health insurance exchange for consumers to buy individual health coverage. The online exchange will be operated by the state in lieu of the federal government. It is expected that the health insurance exchange will provide for lower premiums, increased access to health insurance and a new reinsurance program.  The plan, which had bi-partisan support, is expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2021.

As part of PAR’s Strategic Plan, leadership and staff will continue to investigate and advocate for more insurance options for our members.

The National Association of Realtors® CEO Bob Goldberg, along with eight other association executives, met with acting Labor Secretary Patrick Pizzella earlier in August and specifically highlighted NAR’s support for AHPs and the Labor Department as the department defends its rule in court. A dozen state attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of AHPs earlier this year, prompting a federal judge in Washington, D.C., to strike down the department’s rule.

Watch my interview with Commissioner Altman for more details on healthcare in Pennsylvania. To learn more about health insurance options, visit insurance.pa.gov.