Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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For many farmers, retirement is just not something they intend to do. While the average age of a U.S. farmer continues to climb and now stands at 57.5 years, health issues may force some operators to retire or semi-retire from the day-to-day farm activities earlier than intended. A large consideration facing aging farmers or ranchers is the health care options available to them and how they will pay for these services. For many Americans 65 and older, the answer is Medicare.
Individuals are entitled to Medicare so long as they are a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S. who has lived in the U.S. for at least five years. The program’s benefits can be great but determining the participation level to elect can be somewhat confusing.
Most farmers qualify for Part A coverage under Medicare at no out of pocket expense so long as either the individual or his or her spouse has paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Care under Part A only covers inpatient hospital stays and/or a skilled nursing facility. This leaves many individuals seeking additional coverage for doctor services, outpatient care, vision, dental, hearing and potentially other care needs not covered under Part A. These additional services are generally covered though Part B and Part C of Medicare. However, unlike Part A, individuals wishing to participate in these additional coverages will be required to pay the additional premiums associated with those plans. Combined costs could be hundreds of dollars monthly and prove to be burdensome to not only the individual but potentially the farm as well.
One way to plan for these costs is to set aside funds to provide the additional level of income that will be needed to pay for these premiums. To determine the appropriate amount of funds to set aside, it is critical to determine what coverage is desired and its associated cost. Nationwide, in partnership with leading physicians and other professionals, created a tool that analyzes your personal health and lifestyle information, healthcare costs based on your region, actuarial data and medical coverage to estimate the additional costs of healthcare beyond your Medicare Part A coverage.
To learn more, register for an online learning session.
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
Read MoreThe emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read MoreThe Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read MoreNew resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read MoreODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read MoreKatie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreMary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreThe plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
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