CAAR Partners with NAR in Supporting AHP Efforts
CAAR supports the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) defense of the Department of Labor’s Association Health Plan (AHP) rule. NAR recently submitted an amicus brief in the ongoing federal litigation of the AHP rule. Amicus briefs are legal documents filed in appellate court cases by nonlitigants that have a strong interest in the subject matter in question. Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that provisions of the DOL’s rule were unlawful, a ruling that adversely impacts Realtors® seeking more cost effective and comprehensive health insurance solutions through AHP options.
“Passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 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.”
CAAR, along with a number of other state and local associations, are vocalizing their strong
support of efforts to protect AHPs, which have been the subject of litigation since shortly after the rule was finalized in June of 2018. Five state and local associations are currently offering AHPs to members, including the Baldwin County Association of Realtors® in Alabama, the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors®, the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors®, the Nevada Realtors®, and the Tennessee Realtors®.
To date, over 3,000 Realtors® and their families have found cost-effective health insurance solutions through these five association health plans. Many more Realtor® associations are also exploring AHP options but have been delayed due to this litigation uncertainty. “The wellbeing of our members – the hardworking men and women who go to work every day to put food on their family’s table and put roofs over other families’ heads – remains our focus throughout these negotiations,” said CAAR 2019 President Tele Jenifer.
Read the full press release.
Six REALTORS® Awarded with National Association of REALTORS® Emeritus Status
CAAR recognized six REALTORS® who achieved National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Emeritus status during the Thursday, June 6th General Membership Meeting at Farmington Country Club.
REALTOR® Emeritus status is awarded to a NAR member who has held membership for a cumulative period of 40 years or more.
The following members were awarded with a REALTOR® Emeritus certificate, an official letter of achievement signed by 2019 NAR President John Smaby, and a gold lapel pin:
Robin Amato, Real Estate III Commercial Properties
Pat Burns, RE/MAX Realty Specialists - Charlottesville
Jim Faulconer, McLean Faulconer, Inc. REALTORS®
Punkie Feil, Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates
Lou Kramer, Lake Realty, Inc.
Norma Kramer, Lake Realty, Inc.
On behalf of CAAR, we would like to congratulate these REALTORS® on this commendable achievement.
The June General Membership Meeting was sponsored by SunTrust Mortgage, Stony Point Design/Build, Farm Credit of the Virginias, Caring Transitions, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
Picture (left to right): Pat Burns, Robin Amato, Jim Faulconer, Norma Kramer, and Lou Kramer.