Lowering health insurance costs for individuals and families in Nebraska is a high priority for Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). As a result, NEFB has introduced a new product, Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, that could be a game changer in lowering health insurance costs for all Nebraskans.

“The current health insurance market discriminates against self-employed individuals and small business owners because they are not eligible for the discounted rates available under employer-sponsored plans. This includes farmers, ranchers and nearly all small business owners in the state,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president. “Starting October 1, 2024, Nebraska Farm Bureau is launching Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health plan option that offers significantly lower health care costs than the federal marketplace,” McHargue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to pass LB 1313 in the last legislative session. The bill allows health insurance plans to be sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau. These plans are not considered insurance, but are medically underwritten and individually rated, allowing them to be offered at significant savings compared to ACA marketplace plans.

“Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer coverage and services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency care and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care are also covered,” said Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans. “These plans are high-quality, reliable and affordable health insurance for individuals and families, with a nationwide PPO provider network, United HealthCare Choice Plus, that offers services throughout the state and has varying levels of deductibles, co-pays and maximum out-of-pocket payments,” Scheer said.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer comprehensive, low-cost options at rates that can be 30% to 50% lower than unsubsidized plans offered under the ACA.

“Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide these benefits under a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator, Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee. The organization administers these types of health plans to six state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.,” said Billy Fields, director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.

While self-employed individuals or small business owners may benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. Additionally, a Nebraska Farm Bureau membership is required to apply for Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans. If you are approved for health insurance, you must maintain your NEFB membership to keep your NEFB Health Plan active. Nebraska Farm Bureau members can enroll in NEFB Health Plans year-round and there is no re-enrollment period like with other programs. Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) agents in Nebraska sell these plans exclusively to NEFB members. For more information, visit our website at www.nefbhp.com.