Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans Growing, Offering Affordable Health Coverage for Nebraskans
Lowering health care costs for Nebraska’s individuals and families continues to be a top priority for the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). Since the launch of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, the program has gained strong momentum, now providing coverage to 531 Nebraskans, and that number is growing each month.
“This program is off to an incredible start,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. “We knew there was a need for affordable, dependable health coverage for self-employed individuals and small business owners, including our farmers and ranchers. Seeing more than 500 Nebraskans covered in our first year confirms that we’re filling an important gap.”
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans were made possible after the organization helped pass LB 1313. The bill allows nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau, to sponsor health benefit plans. These plans are medically underwritten and individually rated, meaning they can be offered at significant savings, often 30% to 50% lower than unsubsidized ACA marketplace plans.
"I was previously on a Marketplace plan, but it was expensive, and I couldn’t get a good rate,” said 26-year-old Levi Arens, who has his own construction business and farms near Hartington. He is a Cedar County Farm Bureau member.
“Nebraska Farm Bureau offered a plan that cost less, $117 a month for coverage, and adding dental was only $54 extra. Compared to what I was paying on Marketplace, it was an easy choice. Switching to Farm Bureau was a no-brainer," Arens said.
According to Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide the same level of care and coverage people expect from traditional health insurance, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency services, maternity care, and mental health and substance abuse treatment.
“These plans are high-quality, dependable and affordable,” Scheer said. “They feature a nationwide PPO network, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, that provides access to doctors and hospitals across Nebraska and the country. Members can choose from various deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums to find what works best for them.”
For Rick and Jan Elliott, Nebraska Farm Bureau offered a less expensive option for health plans.
“In our last plan. My husband and I each had $8,500 deductibles, and we paid $54,000 a year in premiums. Under the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, we each have a $2,250 deductible, and we pay $37,000 year. We saved real money switching to Farm Bureau,” Jan Elliott said.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans operate under a self-funded arrangement administered by Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee, which manages similar programs for nine other state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.
With open enrollment currently underway, Nebraska Farm Bureau encourages members and those considering membership to explore how these new plans could meet their health coverage needs, especially as federal health care subsidies may change in the coming year.
“If federal subsidies are reduced next enrollment year, we expect even more Nebraskans to look at our plans as a smart, affordable option,” McHargue said.
Nebraska Farm Bureau members can apply for the NEFB Health Plans at any time, with no restricted enrollment period. Membership in Nebraska Farm Bureau is required to apply and must be maintained to keep coverage active. Plans are sold exclusively through Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) agents in Nebraska.
“It’s rewarding to help families find coverage they can actually afford,” said Christine Archer, sales associate for FBFS Agent Allen Walton’s office near Hartington. “These plans are giving Nebraskans choices they didn’t have before.”
Kelly Vitosh, an FBFS sales associate for FBFS Agent Dustin Weiss in Imperial, agrees. “The NEFB Health Plans have been a great option for many Farm Bureau members. It’s fulfilling to help people find reliable coverage that fits their needs and budget, especially when it’s something created by and for Nebraska farmers, ranchers and those who own small businesses.” Find an FBFS agent to learn more and apply, visit www.nefbhp.com.