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].

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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