DeWine signs Farm Bureau Health Plans into law

Gov. Mike DeWine has signed SB 100 into law, resulting in the creation of Farm Bureau Health Plans, giving access to affordable, personalized health care plans for Ohio farm families.

“With health care costs continuing to rise, many Ohio farm families are having a hard time finding affordable, high-quality coverage, so they asked Ohio Farm Bureau for a better way and this is it,” said Bill Patterson, president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans will provide quality options at competitive rates, meaning that the peace of mind of health care coverage is no longer out of reach for our members.”

SB 100, introduced by Sen. Susan Manchester (R-Lakeview), supported by Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) and passed almost unanimously by both the Senate and the House, will help provide health care opportunities, close the gap in health care coverage and improve the well-being of current Ohio Farm Bureau members.

“Efforts of this magnitude don’t just happen,” Patterson said. “What started as a grassroots concern turned into policy that filled a specific need in the agriculture community in a matter of months, thanks to our members and the Ohio Farm Bureau policy team. It also couldn’t have happened without the leadership of Gov. DeWine, as well as Ms. Manchester, Mr. Peterson and their fellow lawmakers for bringing this momentous bill to fruition.”

Farm Bureau Health Plans, which would serve as a member benefit similar to health plans offered by a number of other state Farm Bureaus across the country, would be in addition to the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan, which already offers small businesses health care plans for their employees.

Now that this critical piece of legislation has been signed into law, Ohio Farm Bureau will be able to start to create a plan for implementation. The goal will be for members to have access to these new health plan options as early as January 2026. More information will be shared through Ohio Farm Bureau communications to members in the coming months.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more and become a member today at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].

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Ryanna Tietje

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