NAR pushes for expanded health coverage options for self-employed Realtors
NAR is urging federal officials to include self-employed real estate professionals in a proposed rule that could expand access to association health plans.
The National Association of Realtors® is pressing federal officials to give self-employed real estate professionals another option for health coverage as the U.S. Labor Department prepares a new rule on association health plans.
NAR met last week with White House and federal officials as the Labor Department develops a rule that could expand access to employer-sponsored health plans. On Aug. 11, the department submitted the proposal to the Office of Management and Budget for interagency review, the final step before publication of a proposed rule.
The federal regulatory agenda shows the rule would establish criteria for when an employer group or association can be treated as an “employer” under federal law and sponsor an association health plan. The proposed rule is scheduled for release in November.
The issue is especially relevant to real estate because most real estate professionals are independent contractors. Under current federal law, self-employed people without employees generally do not have access to employer-sponsored group health plans unless they receive coverage through a spouse or government program, according to NAR.
NAR is urging federal officials to make sure self-employed real estate professionals are included and that any new framework can withstand future legal challenges.
“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, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.
McGahn said association health plans should add another choice rather than replace coverage available through the Affordable Care Act, particularly for people who continue to struggle with premiums, deductibles and copays.
Cost remains a significant issue for Realtors®. NAR’s 2026 Health Insurance Survey found 14% of Realtors are uninsured. Among those without coverage, 91% cited premium costs, 58% pointed to high deductibles and copays, and 35% said fluctuations in real estate income made it difficult to maintain coverage.
Realtor associations in several states previously offered association health plans after a 2018 Labor Department rule expanded eligibility. NAR said those plans covered pre-existing conditions, provided comprehensive benefits, reduced deductibles and expanded provider networks before a federal court overturned the rule.
NAR is now seeking a more durable federal approach and plans to submit comments once the new rule is proposed later this year.
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