WFBF Statement on Introduction of Farm Bureau Health Plan Legislation

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Krentz issued the following statement regarding the introduction of LRB-4676, legislation which would allow Wisconsin Farm Bureau to provide members with a unique and affordable health coverage plan option that is currently operated by state Farm Bureaus in seven other states:

“For more than 100 years, Wisconsin Farm Bureau has existed to serve its members. WFBF has a long history of addressing member needs across the state of Wisconsin through valuable member benefits. As a grassroots policy organization, WFBF has policy adopted by the membership supporting solutions for private, affordable, high-quality healthcare.

The rising costs of health coverage has meant farm families tightening their belts even further. This makes it more difficult for people to return to the farm, start agricultural businesses or, in some cases, keep farms running.

Wisconsin farmers already face a wealth of challenges; access to affordable health coverage shouldn’t be one of them.

We’re asking for a one-off exception from state insurance regulation to allow an existing model, offered only by state Farm Bureaus, to be permitted to operate here in Wisconsin. Farm Bureau is uniquely positioned to provide benefits to people who don’t have employer sponsored coverage and may typically be income ineligible for federal incentives under the Affordable Care Act.

Approximately 50,000 people whose income normally makes them ineligible for federal incentives are uninsured in Wisconsin. The concept we are proposing could help to reduce the number of uninsured Wisconsinites by offering coverage at attractive premiums from a trusted source.

Farmers and other Wisconsinites without access to employer-based insurance plans who have income levels that don’t normally qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies stand to gain the most from this initiative.

Several other states have adopted similar legislative initiatives to allow Farm Bureau Health Plans. Their members have seen premiums between 30 and 60 percent lower than comparable unsubsidized plans offered now. We are pursuing this legislation to allow Wisconsin Farm Bureau members the same benefit, as well.

Farmers need a better option, one that’s tailored to our unique needs. We need Farm Bureau Health Plans.”