Ohio Farm Bureau Launches Health Plans

By Andi Anderson

Farm families across Ohio may soon have a new option for health coverage as Senate Bill 100 takes effect. The law allows the Ohio Farm Bureau, a private nonprofit, to offer medically underwritten health plans to its members, aiming to help farmers manage rising insurance costs.

For Clermont County farmer Sarah Ison, the change could be significant. She and her husband run a full-time ranch with beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, but private insurance premiums consume nearly 20% of their profits.

“Our plan tripled in price with no warning,” she said, noting that her children don’t qualify for Medicaid and marketplace subsidies fluctuate with farm income.

Many producers face similar challenges. Weather and market swings make farm revenue unpredictable, often pushing families in and out of Affordable Care Act subsidy eligibility. “You might have a great year and then a drought,” explained Whittney Bowers, policy director for the Ohio Farm Bureau. “You have very little control over what your income is.”

The new plans differ from traditional insurance. Because they are not regulated as insurance, the Farm Bureau can base eligibility on health status and deny coverage for higher medical risks.

Supporters argue the plans fill a critical gap and have worked in other states for decades. “They would not be highly regarded if they weren’t delivering what they promise,” Bowers said, citing Tennessee’s long-running farm health plan.

Critics, including the American Lung Association, warn the plans lack oversight and could leave families with inadequate protection for chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. “It can put families in more financial harm because they thought they could depend on these health plans,” said Kezia Ofosu Atta, the group’s advocacy director in Ohio.

Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill in July, and coverage could begin early next year. While the plans will not fit every family, advocates hope they will offer peace of mind and reduce the need for farmers or spouses to seek off-farm jobs just for insurance benefits. For families like the Isons, the law represents a potential lifeline—and a chance to keep farming full time.

Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau