The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) applauds the U.S. House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions for holding the hearing, "A Healthy Workforce: Expanding Access and Affordability in Employer-Sponsored Health Care." Angela Shields, CEO of Tennessee Realtors®, testified on behalf of National Association of Realtors®’ members pdf and stressed NAR's support for association health plans (AHP).
The following is a statement from Shannon McGahn, NAR Executive Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer:
"NAR strongly supports restoring access to association health plans, which provide high-quality, affordable health coverage for America's self-employed professionals, including Realtors®. Angela Shields' testimony before Congress underscores the need to address the health insurance challenges many of our members face.
"NAR has long fought for solutions that give independent contractors the same ability as large employers and unions to pool together and negotiate better health coverage options. When Tennessee Realtors® and other associations offered AHPs, members saved significantly on insurance costs, including lower deductibles, and gained access to broader provider networks—without sacrificing comprehensive coverage. The loss of these plans in 2019 was a substantial setback for real estate professionals and their families.
"We look forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure our members and self-employed workers can obtain the affordable, high-quality health insurance they deserve."
About the National Association of Realtors®
As America's largest trade association, the National Association of Realtors® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes – from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation – visit facts.realtor.