Secure Farms with New Health & Safety Plans

By Andi Anderson

The Ohio Farm Bureau is highlighting two priorities for farm businesses and rural workers: practical health coverage options and everyday propane safety. Together, these efforts aim to help employers retain people, protect families, and manage costs.

For employers with 1 to 50 employees, the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan offers rate stability and competitive pricing suited to agriculture’s up-and-down income cycles.

Employers can enroll themselves and their families, adding value alongside regular Farm Bureau member benefits. Eligibility focuses on agriculture-related business activity, using broad industry codes to reflect the farm-to-fork economy.

Plans generally require at least 75% of net-eligible employees to participate. There is no fixed open enrollment window—businesses can explore and join throughout the year.

A new option—Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans—will serve individuals and families who are not part of an employer group. These plans use the United network (the employer health benefits plan uses Anthem), are medically underwritten, and are not insurance by definition.

They may include a pre-existing condition waiting period, so they will not fit everyone, but many applicants in other states qualify. Members can submit an interest form to be connected with local agents and to receive updates before full rollout.

Clear messaging will distinguish the two tracks: “health benefits plan” for employers and “health plans” for individuals and families, both under the Ohio Farm Healthcare Solutions umbrella.

The Farm Bureau also shared timely propane safety guidance. Propane heats buildings, powers generators, and supports grain drying, but it is highly flammable and can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces.

Farmers should keep tanks clear of tall grass and weeds, use light-colored paint to prevent rust, store cylinders in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources, and install affordable leak detectors. If you smell the added “rotten-egg” odour, evacuate, call 911, contact your LP provider, and let professionals handle pilot lights and system checks.

Training and tools are available through LP suppliers and partners such as P3 Propane for compliance and digital inspections, and Tank Spotter for streamlined reporting via mobile app. These resources help keep farms, employees, and families safe while supporting efficient operations.

Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau