MADISON – Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson issued the following statement regarding the introduction of AB448/SB450, 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 fourteen other states:
“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is the unified voice for agriculture, shaping policy, developing members and engaging consumers across the state. Our purpose is serving our members and finding innovative ways to meet the unique needs of rural communities. As a grassroots policy organization, our members have adopted policy supporting solutions for private, affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Rising health coverage costs are a very real challenge for farm families, so much so that it has had an impact on farm succession plans in our state. The cost of health coverage is a limiting factor when it comes to people returning to the farm, starting agricultural businesses or even keeping farms running.
Farming is filled with difficult challenges; access to affordable health coverage should not be one of them.
WFBF is 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.
Fourteen 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 deserve the support and options that meet their unique needs. Farmers need Farm Bureau Health Plans.”
