Labor Dept. Health Rule Gives States a Chance to ‘Tailor’ Laws

States have a big role in the Labor Department’s new small-business health option, and some are more prepared than others for the rollout.

The DOL’s new regulation expanding access to association health plans allows states to retain the authority to regulate them. The staggered implementation of the rule gives states a window to “tailor” current regulations and requirements before the plans can form. The effective dates begin in a little over two months and go through April 2019.

States will “need time to process this new federal position” because it affects consumers and state health insurance marketplaces, Kevin Lucia, research ...