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Ohio Farm Bureau is continually searching for member benefits that protect farmers’ interests and enhance their bottom lines. Farm Bureau’s voice on legislative matters remains a top benefit, but savings on items such as Nationwide insurance, workers’ compensation rates and prescription drugs also add value to a farmer’s membership.

"Our benefits are very tangible, such as cash back with a purchase or lease of a Dodge vehicle, and some are more intangible, such as information we provide on labor concerns, or about regulations affecting farmers. I think Farm Bureau members can profit from both types of benefits," said OFBF Director of Member Services Dan Rapp.

As members consider renewing for 2005, Rapp said they should keep in mind all the benefits they receive through membership. Following is additional information about some of the member benefits Ohio Farm Bureau offers. For a complete list, see the sidebar article on this page, or visit www.ofbf.org

Universal Rx
The Universal Rx card is accepted at more than 35,000 pharmacies. The entire family may use the savings card. There are no pre-existing condition restrictions, no enrollment fee, no monthly fee, no claim forms and no limit on use. Present the Universal Rx card with a health insurance prescription card. Ask which will give the lowest out-of-pocket cost. Make sure the pharmacist submits the prescription online to Universal Rx.

The $1,500 Reward Property Protection Program is a Farm Bureau member service to deter crime in rural areas and on members' premises by rewarding people for being watchful and concerned enough to help apprehend criminals. The $1,500 reward is paid to both Farm Bureau members and nonmembers who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction for arson, malicious injury to property, burglary or other felonies committed on a member's property. The reward is also paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons stealing a car, truck, tractor or self-propelled equipment. The reward does not apply for the conviction of a misdemeanor, and a Farm Bureau $1,500 Reward sign must be displayed on the member's property to qualify. Although the award can be paid to anyone, the property owner must be a Farm Bureau member. In addition to the $1,500 reward sign, Farm Bureau also provides stickers that may be placed on windows, vehicles and machinery.

Workers’ Compensation
Through OFBF’s consulting firm, GatesMcDonald, the Group Rating Program enables small employers to combine claim expenses and rate calculations to take advantage of premium savings currently reserved for large employers. Savings generally range from 60 to 90 percent. Among services available are State Fund Worker's Compensation Management Services, that review all operations and processes to assure proper classification assignment; a procedure manual provided to assist management personnel in reporting all claims; and GatesMcDonald also offers telephone information and consulting to Group Rating participants. Participating agricultural employers save an average of $2,500 per year

Accidental Death and Specific Loss policy
If members renew their Farm Bureau membership before Dec. 31, they are eligible for a potential maximum payout of $10,000 should an accidental death occur.

Benefit levels are determined based on renewing a membership before Dec. 31 and if the person was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The accidental death policy is delivered in members’ renewal notices. It spells out the benefit provisions of the policy.

Covered activities include using a farm tractor, farm truck with a noncommerical or farm license or other farm implements, equipment or tools in farming operations; using powered yard and garden equipment, a residential or farm swimming pool, pond, cistern, well or lagoon; traveling directly to or from or attending any Farm Bureau officially called and sponsored meeting; riding in, boarding or alighting from a private car or truck during the 30-day period immediately following a county membership kick-off for the purpose of soliciting Farm Bureau members; and working with domestic livestock in farming operations.