Nebraska Farmers Face Rising Health Insurance Costs and Economic Challenges

Ben Steffen will join Lynne Walz for the Nebraska gubernatorial race in November 2026. Ben and Paula Sue Steffen have farmed throughout their lives in Humboldt, Nebraska, navigating various economic cycles in agriculture. Ben noted that profitability once seemed effortless compared to the current economic challenges, with increased diesel and fertilizer expenses adding significant pressure to their operations.

In addition to these rising costs, the Steffens face a steep increase in health insurance expenses. Their premiums have surged to $32,000, up from $13,000 the previous year, following the expiration of premium tax credits. They are exploring income-based tax credits to alleviate these costs, but uncertainty persists. Paula Sue Steffen emphasized the importance of coverage, given the inherent risks in farming.

The Steffens, like many self-employed individuals, rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for health coverage. The expiration of key tax credits led to an average premium increase of 58%, disproportionately impacting middle-income families. In 2025, approximately 22 million Americans relied on ACA plans for health insurance.

Farming communities have been particularly affected, with 27% of agricultural workers using ACA plans according to KFF. The removal of tax credits resulted in a 13% decrease in enrollment, as many sought lower-cost, high-deductible plans. Ben Steffen shared that their deductible now stands at $7,200. Historically, the Steffens provided healthcare benefits during their dairy operation to support employees until they downsized due to rising costs.

Dina van der Zalm from the Missouri Rural Crisis Center reported that farmers neglecting health issues or delaying care is reminiscent of pre-ACA days. A 2024 University of Nebraska Medical Center study highlighted the high financial burden of farming injuries. Advocates urge reconsideration of ACA tax credits or broader healthcare reforms to support self-employed individuals like farmers. In the meantime, cooperative health plans and supplemental policies offer limited relief.

Farmers like the Steffens continue in their profession out of passion for the work. "The freedom to be self-employed is undervalued," Ben Steffen stated, expressing a personal connection to the farming lifestyle despite the economic burdens. Maintaining financial stability is crucial for farmers, many of whom face mental health challenges due to external pressures, as explained by psychologist Mikela Spooner from Texas A&M University.