Friday, July 29, 2011

Today's Tidbit - Health Coverage for Farmers

Four Corners of Health Insurance - "My Son Needs It" from Everynone on Vimeo.

I've always wondered what farmers did for health insurance and whether there was a trade organization out there made up of small farms that band together in order to negotiate for more affordable coverage. Based on this video, I guess the answer is no.

It's sad that something like not being able to afford personal health insurance coverage can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and following in your dad's footsteps. I can relate somewhat to what these farmers are facing through my own personal experience. When Marc and I opened up a law practice together a few years ago, finding affordable health coverage for our small business was difficult to say the least and the plan we ultimately went with offered minimal coverage, despite the hefty premium we paid each month.

I'm sure many more young people would venture into the farming field if this was not an issue. Hopefully it won't be forever.

5 comments:

  1. We owned our own business, and there was no affordable health care insurance for us. We ended up taking out "catastrophic" policy that gave us minimum coverage with a huge deductible and hefty monthly payments. My first husband's parents were farmers, and back in those days they got affordable Grange insurance. I believe that is still available in some states.

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  2. Gran - We did the same thing. I'm glad we don't have to worry about it anymore since I have employer coverage now for both me and Marc. Also, since then Massachusetts rolled out it's universal healthcare plan which I heard is actually pretty decent from what I've heard and the premiums are relatively reasonable. I wonder how many people out there dream about owning their own business but don't pursue it for this very reason.

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  4. It's amazing how expensive health insurance is. I come from a family of farmers and self employed. I have been self-employed most of my adult life as well. Our health insurance is more then our mortgage and that does not include dental or vision.

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