Lowering health insurance costs for individuals and families in Nebraska is a high priority for the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). That’s why the NEFB has introduced a new product, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, that could significantly reduce 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, president of NEFB. “Starting October 1, 2024, the Nebraska Farm Bureau will introduce Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health insurance option that offers significantly lower health care costs than the federal market,” McHargue said.

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

“Nebraska Farm Bureau health plans provide benefits and coverage typically offered by traditional health insurance, including doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, emergency room services and obstetric care. Mental health and substance abuse treatment are also covered,” said Kelsey Scheer, deputy director of NEFB Health Plans. “These plans are high-quality, reliable and affordable health insurance plans for individuals and families that include a statewide PPO network of providers, United HealthCare Choice Plus, which offers services throughout the state and has various deductibles, copayments and out-of-pocket maximums,” said Scheer.

Nebraska Farm Bureau health insurance plans offer comprehensive, high-performance options at rates that can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper than unsubsidized plans under the ACA.

“The 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 insurance plans for six state farm bureaus across the U.S.,” said Billy Fields, director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.

Although self-employed individuals or small business owners can benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. In addition, 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 so your NEFB health plan remains active. Nebraska Farm Bureau members can apply for NEFB health plans year-round, and there is no re-enrollment period like other programs. Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) representatives in Nebraska sell these plans exclusively to NEFB members. For more information, visit our website at www.nefbhp.com.