Nebraska Farm Bureau launches new health plans

In an effort to lower health insurance costs for Nebraska individuals and families, Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) introduced Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans.

"The current health care insurance market discriminates against self-employed individuals and small business owners because they are not eligible for the discounted rates available under employer-sponsored plans. This includes farmers, ranchers, and nearly all small business owners in the state," said Mark McHargue NEFB president. "Beginning, Oct. 1, 2024, Nebraska Farm Bureau will launch the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health plan option providing significantly lower health costs than the federal marketplace," McHargue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to pass LB 1313 in the last legislative session. The bill allows health benefit plans to be sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau. These plans are not considered insurance, but are medically underwritten and are individually rated, allowing them to be offered at significant savings when compared to ACA marketplace plans.

"The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide coverages and services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency room services and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care will also be covered," said Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans. "These plans are high-quality, dependable, and affordable health coverage plans for individuals and families, featuring a nationwide PPO network of providers, United HealthCare Choice Plus, which offers services across the state, and has various levels of deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums," Scheer said.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer comprehensive, benefit-rich options at rates that can be 30% to 50% less than unsubsidized plans offered under the ACA.

"The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans will provide these benefits under a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator, which is Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee. The organization administers these types of health plans to six state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.," said Billy Fields director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.

While individuals who are self-employed or own a small business could benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. Nebraska Farm Bureau membership is required. If approved for the health coverage, you must maintain your NEFB membership to keep your NEFB Health Plan active.

Members can apply anytime of the year, and there is no re-enrollment period like other programs.

For more information go to www.nefbhp.com.