Judge blocks Trump's association health plan rule: 5 things to know

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's move to loosen regulations around association health plans doesn't comply with the ACA, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Five things to know:

1. U.S. District Judge John Bates struck down the rule March 28. The judge said the administration's association health plan rule was made to "end run" parts of the ACA.

2. The rule allowed groups or associations to join and obtain health insurance. About 4 million people were expected to enroll in association health plans by 2023, according to Department of Labor data cited by WSJ.

3. While the plans have a lower price tag, they don't cover all of the essential benefits required by the ACA. The Trump administration argued the plans give Americans more options, but opponents of the rule worried they would weaken insurance markets.

4. Kelly Laco, a spokesperson for the Justice Department, said, "We disagree with the district court's ruling and are considering all available options." She continued: "The administration will continue to fight for sole proprietors and small businesses so that they can have the freedom to band together to obtain more affordable, quality healthcare coverage."

5. The Trump administration can request a stay and appeal the judge's decision. The administration can also revisit the rule, according to WSJ.

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