Hub International And Tennessee REALTORS® Launch One Of The Nation's First Association Health Plans For A Professional Association

CHICAGO, March 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hub International Limited (HUB), a leading global insurance brokerage and Tennessee REALTORS^®, one of the state's largest trade associations, announced today the launch of one of the nation's first association health plans (AHP) for a professional trade association under the new association rules.

"HUB understands the importance of AHPs – a newly emerging solution – for high quality, comprehensive, accessible heath care, especially for small businesses that through their affiliation and membership with associations can access affordable benefit plans," said Mike Barone, President of Employee Benefits at HUB International. "Working closely with Tennessee REALTORS^®, we successfully tailored one of the first affordable and robust AHPs for a professional association under the new regulations and look forward to working with other associations to build additional AHPs throughout the U.S. in the future."

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor provided an update (Final Rule) to association health plan regulation that has made it easier for small businesses to join together to offer the same type of health insurance coverage offered by large companies. The Tennessee REALTORS^® AHP is established under the new Department of Labor rule. 

AHPs help small- and mid-sized businesses reduce health care costs, broaden the risk pool and access high-quality health coverage tailored to the needs of their employees.

Angela Shields, Chief Executive Officer of Tennessee REALTORS^®, explained, "Providing health care benefits has long been a top priority for us, because the reality is: almost all REALTORS^® are independent contractors, and they should receive the best health care available. Our leadership repeatedly heard this need from our members and committed to make sure they were protected as professionals. We are excited to share this great opportunity and benefit with our members."

In 2018, HUB and Tennessee REALTORS^® conducted a survey of members, composed mostly of 1099 contractors, W2 employees, and sole proprietorship/partners and owners, gauging their interest in an AHP. The survey results revealed 94 percent had strong interest in accessing benefits through the establishment of an AHP. In addition, 50 percent of the respondents identified as "individuals" who felt they were paying too much for healthcare coverage.

After months of careful study and planning, HUB and Tennessee REALTORS^® took a revolutionary step in creating an exclusive health benefits solution for its members – extending to members' workers and dependents.

HUB and Tennessee REALTORS® created a fully-insured AHP, which includes three different medical plan options plus a dental and vision option, and wellness solutions. Additional benefits will be offered to members through other insurance benefit partners, including accident with a disability insurance rider, critical illness and life insurance with a long term care rider. And, the expectation is to have the AHP continue to grow and evolve over time.

The Tennessee REALTORS^® AHP will be available to members for open enrollment during their annual Tennessee Excel Summit (TNEX), March 18-19. 

About Hub International
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. With more than 11,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub's vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions. For more information, please visit www.hubinternational.com. 

About Tennessee REALTORS^®
Tennessee REALTORS^® is one of the state's largest and most influential trade associations. Consisting of 21 local associations and 29,000+ members, the association provides a variety of services including legislative and regulatory advocacy, professional development, professional-standards training, and transaction-management solutions. To learn more, visit www.tnrealtors.com.

CONTACT:
Media: Marni Gordon
Phone: 312-279-4601
[email protected]

SOURCE Hub International Limited