In Kentucky, most trade association-sponsored health plans renew on July 1, 2014. Now is an excellent time for trade association executives to review association and Health Plan materials to ensure compliance with applicable Federal and State requirements prior to renewal.

Health Reform changed the way association health plans offer coverage to their members, including the requirement that such coverage be offered at the “association level.” Associations must implement and maintain appropriate Health Plan control and participant eligibility criteria to be eligible under ERISA to sponsor a health plan at the association level.