Missouri Farm Bureau applauds approval of Health Plans and Water Protection Legislation

Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) is celebrating the approval of two key pieces of legislation that mark major victories for rural Missourians, as both Senate Bill 79 and Senate Bill 82 were signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe on Monday afternoon.

Senate Bill 79, carried by Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Brad Pollitt, establishes the framework for offering Farm Bureau Health Plans in Missouri. These plans are anticipated to cost less than unsubsidized marketplace options and could offer a vital lifeline to Missourians who have lacked access to affordable coverage. Although not classified as insurance, and therefore not regulated under state or federal insurance laws, Farm Bureau Health Plans have already been implemented successfully in 10 other states, where they have proven to be effective solutions for members.

High health care costs have long discouraged many Missourians from returning to the family farm or pursuing small business ownership. The burden has been especially heavy for young farmers who face steep startup costs and often lack employer-provided health coverage in rural areas. With this new option, more individuals may now be able to remain on the land or pursue entrepreneurial ventures without sacrificing access to affordable health protection.

Senate Bill 82, sponsored by Senator Jamie Burger and Representative Cameron Parker, ensures protections for one of Missouri's most vital natural assets–water. The Water Preservation Act establishes a permitting process through the Department of Natural Resources to oversee large-scale water exports. The legislation also includes a 30-mile buffer for limited out-of-state use, while ensuring that transported water is not rerouted beyond the designated range.

As water-scarce states seek to supplement their dwindling supplies, Missouri's abundant water resources could become an attractive target. This legislation helps protect those resources and ensures continued availability for Missouri families, farms and communities.

MOFB President Garrett Hawkins issued the following statement:

"This is a significant win for our members and all rural Missourians. For years, our members have told us how desperately they needed another option to manage their health care expenses. The existing coverage options were simply out of reach or unavailable for too many hardworking families. We listened, and today, I am both incredibly proud and deeply humbled to announce that—thanks to this newly signed law—our members will finally have access to a new, affordable path forward.

"MOFB Health Plans will be another tool to help beginning and experienced farmers do what they love, give entrepreneurs the risk protection they need to maintain their own business, or simply give Missouri families the boost they need to stretch tight budgets. Health Plans are just the most recent example of Farm Bureau finding a way to support our members and the next generation of farmers.

"I'd also like to celebrate the work being done to help protect a precious resource—water—for generations to come. With Senate Bill 82, signed into law by Governor Kehoe, Missouri now has vital safeguards in place to prevent the exportation of water from our state.

"I want to sincerely thank Governor Kehoe and our state legislature for understanding the needs of rural Missourians."