Despite early enthusiasm for Labor Department rule, most national groups find state regulation a barrier in launching plans Trautwein The National Retail Federation has been among the most vocal advocates of expanding the use of association health plans to lower health insurance costs for small businesses. However, now that the new rules are in place, NRF isn't jumping to implement an AHP of its own. "We are working with state retail associations or federations and helping them to consider whether or not to establish association health plans," said Neil Trautwein, vice president of health care policy at NRF. NRF's experience isn't unique. The Department of Labor issued a… Read More