NC REALTORS® joins National Association of REALTORS® in Amicus Brief Supporting AHPs

Raleigh, North Carolina (June 19, 2019)— On Friday, June 7, NC REALTORS® joined the National Association of
REALTORS® amicus brief in defense of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Association Health Plan (AHP) rule. Earlier this
year, a federal court ruled that provisions of the DOL’s rule were unlawful, a ruling adversely impacting REALTORS®
seeking more cost effective and comprehensive health insurance solutions through AHP options.

“Passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) resulted in significant regulatory changes to the
individual insurance market, some of which have benefited REALTORS®,” the brief reads. “However, ACA changes have
also resulted in significant increases in health care costs, leaving many individuals to forgo coverage, which jeopardizes
the health, safety and financial stability of their families and others.”

“While NAR continues to explore and tackle barriers to a national AHP insurance option, we are learning from the many
successes being implemented by state and local Realtor® associations,” NAR President John Smaby, a second-generation
REALTOR® from Edina, Minnesota, said. “These initial programs are helping us ensure our members and their families
can secure these effective, affordable health insurance options moving forward. We must continue to protect the AHP
options that so many REALTORS® have come to rely on for coverage and so many more deserve access to.”

NC REALTORS®, along with more than one hundred other state and local REALTOR® associations, joined NAR in
protecting AHPs, which has been the subject of litigation since shortly after the rule was finalized in June of last year.

“The wellbeing of our members is always at the forefront of our work as an association,” said Asa Fleming, 2019 NC
REALTORS® President. “As insurance premiums continue to rise, we consistently hear from members who need another
option. Through our support of this brief and our work in the North Carolina General Assembly, we have put this issue at
the forefront to ensure that no additional Realtors®, independent contractors or small business persons join the rolls of
the uninsured.”

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ABOUT NC REALTORS®
NC REALTORS® is a non-profit trade association, representing more than 45,000 members and 48 local associations
throughout the state of North Carolina. NC REALTORS® serves to promote the success of its members and enhance the
quality of life in North Carolina by promoting housing affordability and the protection of private property rights.
Founded in 1921, the association is headquartered in Greensboro, with an additional office in Raleigh. For more
information on the association, visit ncrealtors.org.


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