Stay Informed

            In its efforts to research healthcare programs that could be of benefit to its members, INFB has discovered just how complicated this issue is.

            Among the major problems, said Mark Thornburg, INFB director of legal affairs, is that healthcare is in a state of flux due to changes in the Affordable Care Act, Department of Labor rules, legal challenges and other factors.

            Issues that need to be considered include:

• There are some challenges in providing coverage at the “sole proprietor level,” Thornburg said.
• Because state laws and conditions vary considerably, finding a plan that can cross state lines is difficult. This is why INFB can’t simply decide to use the same plan used by another Farm Bureau and why American Farm Bureau has not been able to offer a national plan.
•  Start-up costs, as well as ongoing management costs, also vary considerably – from minimal to the six-figure range – and can significantly impact the cost of the health plans over time.  Some association plans may have a lower cost in the first year or two but over time have premiums that are as high, if not higher, than other plans already on the market. In order to help members, INFB needs a plan that offers savings long-term.
• Limiting INFB’s exposure to significant financial risk is critical in order for the organization to be able to continue to offer a competitive health plan, Thornburg noted.