WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., supports the Association Health Plan (AHP) reform announced today by President Donald J. Trump and the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta. The new rule will allow small businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers, and other self-employed individuals to join together to purchase health insurance plans, including plans across state lines. In doing so, they will have more bargaining power in the health insurance market, which will expand choices and lower costs.

“By expanding Association Health Plans, small businesses will be able to provide quality health insurance to their employees and families at a better price,” Wicker said. “This change is especially needed as insurance premiums and deductibles continue to rise because of Obamacare. I commend President Trump and Secretary Acosta for this action to reduce health-care costs and expand access to care while maintaining protections for preexisting conditions.”

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that millions of people will switch their coverage to more affordable and more flexible AHP plans and save thousands of dollars in premiums. CBO also estimates that 400,000 previously uninsured people will gain coverage under AHPs.

Wicker has a long history of supporting the reforms included in today’s announced rule. In 2008, he introduced legislation that would have allowed small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance and allow the purchase of insurance across state lines. Last week, Wicker signed a letter led by Senator Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., encouraging the administration to finalize these AHP rules.