By Garrett Hawkins, President of Missouri Farm Bureau
Ensuring access to affordable, effective and reliable health coverage is one of the biggest challenges facing Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) members. Many of our members struggle with limited choices and high costs in the individual marketplace. The lack of options is especially prevalent for people who are self-employed. Access to health coverage drives many decisions, whether that be for an individual family, farm or a small business. This is why our members have made improving access to affordable health coverage a top legislative priority for something that impacts all of our organizations. 
This issue impacts the agriculture industry and entrepreneurs all across our state. Missouri agriculture is stronger when we work together. Whether farmers are members of Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, or both, it benefits all of us to work together for a stronger industry. The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers. Access to affordable health coverage is a major impediment for farm families. We all know how many farm families depend on an in-town job to make ends meet, and oftentimes, to provide access to health coverage.
Experts estimate that about 7.5% of Missourians still lack health coverage. Even with all the policies to ensure that everyone has access, some are left behind because they cannot afford the plans made available to them.
MOFB is ready to implement a proven model that has been put in place by Farm Bureaus in five of our border states. The first step to bring Farm Bureau Health Plans to our state is to pass authorizing legislation. These bills are Senate Bill 79, sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory, and House Bill 366, sponsored by Representative Brad Pollitt. These pieces of legislation will allow MOFB to offer health coverage plans that are expected to cost 30% less than comparable unsubsidized plans on the health insurance individual marketplace. This would be a game-changer for MOFB members who are struggling to pay for insurance premiums and deductibles or going without coverage altogether.
These plans are designed with affordability in mind, but we must also balance the need for comprehensive coverage. To make these plans feasible, they will be subject to underwriting. While MOFB will ensure adequate coverage for our members, the organization must also keep costs down. Where similar plans have been offered, approximately nine out of 10 applicants have been offered coverage.
While this is a new concept in Missouri, these plans have a track record of success and have been implemented in 10 other states. Tennessee Farm Bureau has been offering similar plans to members for 78 years and has a plan retention rate of 98%. Put simply, Farm Bureau knows how to take care of its members, and our members are ready for this option right here at home.
We are at an important stage in the legislative process. Both HB 366 and SB 79 have passed out of their respective committees and are each awaiting time for a floor debate and a vote.
It takes a collective effort from the entire agriculture community to pass meaningful legislation. MOFB has always been known for taking on big issues that matter, and we appreciate the steadfast support of the Missouri Soybean Association (MoSoy). As we work to push this critical legislation across the finish line, we call on members of MOFB, MoSoy and other agriculture organizations to reach out to your legislators and encourage their support of MOFB Health Plans. Bringing Farm Bureau Health Plans to Missouri is a continuation of our mission to serve our members and the agriculture community well, and that’s exactly what we intend to do.
Watch the recent coverage on KY3 with Missouri farmer, Bryant Kagay – Missouri House committee hears testimony on affordable healthcare coverage for Missouri farmers.
