Small Business Health Plans Face Headwinds Despite Trump Support

Republicans will likely try to expand insurance options for small businesses and self-employed workers when they take control of Washington in January, but a GOP trifecta may not be enough to overcome legal questions and Democratic opposition.

Association health plans allow small employers to band together in buying insurance under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act if they share a common business purpose. The plans skirt certain Affordable Care Act requirements that mandate coverage for the law’s essential health benefits and limit higher premiums for older enrollees. But advocates argue the plans throw a lifeline to small employers by leveling ...