Stay Informed

For the past several years, Indiana Farm Bureau members have asked repeatedly for the organization to find a way to offer more choices to reduce their health care costs. After more than a year of research, INFB determined that the greatest need among the membership is for sole proprietors – those farms and other businesses with fewer than two employees.

But among the major difficulties is that in order for Farm Bureau to offer such a program, the Indiana General Assembly has to make a change in state law.

“The statutory change will allow INFB to offer a non-insurance, high quality and more affordable health benefit plan to our members,” said Katrina Hall, INFB public policy director.

Senate Bill 184, which would allow a nonprofit agricultural organization to offer a health benefit plan to its members, has been authored by state Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso and then passed by the Senate Committee on Insurance & Financial Institutions before being passed by the full Senate on a 49-0 vote.

“What’s needed now,” Hall said, “is for our members to talk to their legislators and tell them how important this is to Indiana farmers. Legislators need to hear real-life stories about how health care costs have affected members, their families and their friends and neighbors.”

Rising health care costs are seriously impacting farmers’ bottom lines – and their health. INFB’s survey of its members shows that 78% of Hoosier farmers say the cost of health care is important to the profitability of their operations, and 48% of those under 65 say they have chosen not to get treatment for a health condition because of the cost.

Information on INFB’s health care initiative is available online at www.INFBhealthcare.org.

“Contact your legislator today and tell them to fix health care for Hoosier farmers,” Hall added.