Tennessee Farm Bureau expands health coverage plan to six additional states

The Ohio Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology Committee meeting on March 11, 2025, spotlighted the pressing issue of health insurance accessibility for middle-class families, particularly those involved in farming. A key discussion centered around the challenges posed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the creation of a new group of uninsured individuals who earn too much to qualify for subsidies but cannot afford the high premiums of unsubsidized plans.

A representative from the Ohio Farm Bureau highlighted that many of their members fall into this gap, lacking access to affordable health coverage. The Farm Bureau's health plan aims to address this issue by providing a self-funded option that allows members to design their own coverage without the constraints of traditional insurance models. This approach has been successfully implemented in Tennessee and is now being considered for Ohio.

The representative emphasized that the Farm Bureau plan is not classified as insurance, which allows for greater flexibility in plan design. They assured committee members that the plan has been operational for 78 years in Tennessee, boasting a high acceptance rate for applicants, including those with preexisting conditions. The plan is designed to be sustainable, with members retained at a 98% rate, indicating satisfaction with the coverage provided.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of this plan on the ACA marketplace. However, the representative argued that the Farm Bureau plan would not compete with subsidized ACA plans, as it primarily serves those who are uninsured or underinsured. They noted that the plan's affordability and structure would complement existing ACA options rather than detract from them.

In conclusion, the Ohio Farm Bureau's health plan proposal aims to fill a critical gap in health coverage for middle-class families, particularly farmers, by offering a tailored, self-funded alternative. The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to address the complexities of health insurance in today's economy.