Ohio House passes bill to expand health care access for farmers

COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Rep. Bob Peterson, R-Sabina, is pleased to announce the Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 100, which creates an opportunity for members of the Ohio Farm Bureau to access a more affordable, personalized health insurance coverage plan, according to officials. Peterson championed the provision in the House through House Bill 99.

The bill aims to address a significant barrier for many working in farms and the agriculture industry: securing affordable health care for their families. The Farm Bureau Health Plan, as created through the bill, is an individually evaluated plan, self-governed and self-funded for members of the Ohio Farm Bureau. This makes it exempt from regulation and not subject to Affordable Care Act guidelines. Senate Bill 100 allows those in the agricultural community to have access to another option for more affordable health care coverage.

“Any farmer or small business owner knows that finding economical health insurance is one of their greatest challenges,” Peterson said. “The inability to have reasonable health insurance can discourage individuals from starting a business or becoming a full-time farmer. This bill creates an affordable option for individuals to receive health insurance.”

Agriculture is Ohio’s top industry, with an economic impact of more than $100 billion and employing one in seven Ohioans. Additionally, Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, 90% of which are family-owned.

Senate Bill 100 now goes to the governor for his signature.