Missouri Farm Bureau Partners with UnitedHealthcare to Launch Cost-Effective Health Plans for Farmers

The Missouri Farm Bureau has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to introduce new health insurance plans aimed at reducing costs for farmers by 30 to 50 percent compared to existing options. This initiative follows legislation passed in July after extensive deliberations, responding to challenges faced by self-employed farmers who often lack coverage or face costly plans with limited benefits. The plans include four options with the possibility of adding dental and vision coverage, targeting especially young farmers deterred by high insurance expenses. Missouri's move aligns with a small number of states where Farm Bureaus provide health insurance, paralleling programs like Tennessee's, which has offered similar coverage for over 75 years. A notable distinction of Farm Bureau plans is their medical underwriting process, allowing assessment of applicants' medical histories and potential denial of coverage, contrasting with Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant plans that must accept all applicants and cannot vary premiums based on health status. This underwriting aspect can lead to waiting periods for certain pre-existing conditions, a point that has raised concerns about reduced consumer protections compared to ACA plans. Despite this, the Missouri Farm Bureau reports plans to accept a broad range of applicants, aiming for high approval rates akin to Tennessee's 90 percent. Enrollment begins January 1 and is open year-round to Farm Bureau members, offering an alternative insurance avenue amid the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies that could elevate premiums in the individual market.