Advancing affordable health coverage for MOFB members

MOFB COMMENTARY

Ensuring access to affordable, effective and reliable health coverage is one of the biggest challenges facing members of Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB).

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, a farm, or a small business. Unfortunately, experts estimate nearly eight percent of Missourians still do not have health coverage. Even with all of the policies in place to ensure that everyone has access, some are left behind because they cannot afford the plans made available to them. This is why our members have made improving access to affordable health coverage a top legislative priority for our organization.

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 members 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. This 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 are going without coverage altogether.

These plans are designed with affordability in mind, but there is also a 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 our members, and our members are ready for this option right here at home.

We are at an important stage in the legislative process. I recently testified before the House Health and Mental Health Committee on the House version of the bill. The conversation was fair and productive, and the committee's inquiries highlighted the real challenges our members face in accessing affordable health coverage. The most encouraging moments came when several of our members testified, sharing their personal stories and making a powerful case for why another option is needed.

It takes a collective effort to pass meaningful legislation. MOFB has always been known for taking on big issues that matter. Bringing Farm Bureau Health Plans to Missouri is a continuation of our mission to serve our members well, and that's exactly what we intend to do.

Garrett Hawkins is the President of Missouri Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization.