Missouri Poised to Be 14th State Offering Innovative Health Plans for Farmers

It’s tough for Megan Richner to predict her healthcare future. Every year, she and her family reconsider what insurance fits best. Living in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, about 75 miles from Springfield, she raises cattle and teaches middle school science. Unfortunately, adding her husband and son to her employer-sponsored plan is too costly. With farm income being unpredictable, affordable private insurance feels out of reach.

Megan’s struggle with the high costs and limited options led her to support a bill that would let the Missouri Farm Bureau offer health plans. This legislation has passed both chambers and is awaiting the governor’s approval.

But there’s a catch. These plans wouldn’t be classified as traditional insurance, meaning they’d bypass many regulations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For instance, they wouldn’t guarantee coverage for emergency services or maternity care. Emily Kalmer, the Missouri government relations director for the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, warned that such unregulated plans could lead to hidden costs and discourage people from seeking preventive care, like cancer screenings.

Currently, Missouri is 35th in the nation for healthcare access and affordability. The state was slow to expand Medicaid. In fact, it only made the move after voters pushed for it. According to KFF, more than 330,000 Missourians benefit from subsidies on marketplace plans, averaging about $595 monthly. However, healthcare experts predict that these costs will rise as temporary pandemic-related subsidies phase out.

Garrett Hawkins, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, argues that many farmers miss out on affordable options. Those who earn just enough to avoid subsidies often face high insurance premiums. Missouri farmers might soon have an option similar to other states that have enacted non-ACA compliant Farm Bureau health plans.

It’s important to understand what these plans would actually cover. Sarah Bowman, a clinical instructor at Missouri State University, highlighted the risk farmers face without good insurance. A serious illness or accident can lead to financial ruin. She noted a gap in communication between patients, providers, and insurers. Many assume that a healthcare provider’s recommendation means insurance will cover it, but that’s not always the case.

As the bill evolved, adjustments were made to emphasize consumer education. Hawkins mentioned that there would be clear disclaimers indicating these plans aren’t traditional insurance. Additionally, members must join the Farm Bureau for at least 30 days before purchasing a health plan.

Despite the uncertainty of these new plans, Megan is eager for the opportunity. She’s a long-time Farm Bureau member and is hopeful that even if the plans might not be perfect, they’ll offer more options for families like hers.

While farmers like Megan await the governor’s decision, the challenge remains: finding a way to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for everyone. As healthcare costs continue to rise, creativity in solutions could be key.



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