WASHINGTON (August 12, 2026) – The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) this week met with officials from the White House, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to discuss expanding affordable health coverage options for self-employed Americans, including real estate professionals. The meetings come as DOL develops a proposed rule that could determine whether self-employed individuals may participate in employer-sponsored group health plans.
According to the latest Regulatory Agenda, the Department of Labor is developing a proposed rule that would revisit the definition of "employer" under federal law and could provide a pathway for self-employed individuals to participate in Association Health Plans (AHPs). NAR urged policymakers to ensure any future rule includes real estate professionals and other self-employed individuals, and provides a workable, durable, and legally defensible framework for accessing AHP coverage. The proposed rule is expected to be released in November.
“We support a rule that allows real estate professionals and other self-employed individuals to participate in high-quality, affordable health plans offered through trade associations,” said Shannon McGahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer of the National Association of REALTORS®. “The Affordable Care Act works well for many of our members, and we strongly support protections for people with pre-existing conditions. But for others, premiums, deductibles, and copays remain a barrier to coverage. AHPs can complement existing coverage options—not replace them—by providing another choice for self-employed professionals who remain uninsured because the cost of coverage is simply out of reach.”
"When REALTORS® were previously allowed to participate in AHPs, we demonstrated that it was possible to offer comprehensive coverage, meaningful consumer protections, and lower costs. Unfortunately, many of those plans were eventually taken away through litigation or conflicting federal policies. We support the Administration's efforts to develop a workable and legally defensible rule so that self-employed professionals can rely on these options for the long term." McGahn added. "Give self-employed Americans the freedom to choose the coverage that works best for their families. REALTORS® help millions of Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. They deserve affordable, stable, high-quality health coverage options as well."
NAR was joined at the meetings by Angela Shields, CEO of Tennessee REALTORS®, who previously testified before Congress in support of AHPs for real estate professionals; Tiffany Banks, CEO of Nevada REALTORS®, whose association previously offered an AHP to members; and Rick Lugg, CEO of Virginia REALTORS®, who shared Virginia's efforts to expand health coverage options for self-employed professionals and emphasized the importance of ensuring federal agencies take a consistent approach to AHP policy.
According to NAR's 2026 Health Insurance Survey, 14 percent of REALTORS® are uninsured. Among uninsured REALTORS®, 91 percent cited premium costs as a reason they lack coverage, while 58 percent cited high deductibles and copays. In addition, 35 percent reported difficulty maintaining coverage because of fluctuations in real estate income.
About the National Association of Realtors®
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.
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