Welcome to the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Care Solutions FAQ page. Here, you will find answers to the most common questions about available health plans, eligibility, and how the program works.
Whether you are looking for details on coverage, the application process, or plan costs, this resource is designed to help you quickly find the information you need.
Ohio Farm Bureau Health Care Solutions offers two products:
It is an employee welfare benefit plan and trust arrangement that is maintained for the purpose of offering employee medical benefits. It is governed by trustees and by-laws that satisfy Ohio Department of Insurance requirements. Benefits are paid for from the trust fund.
The OFB Health Benefits Plan Board of Trustees is responsible for the oversight of the plan and ensuring the plan complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
The MEWA solution, provided for in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1739, could be a good fit for employers for many reasons including:
Yes. At least 75% of the Net Eligible Employees must be covered under the plan. The minimum employer contribution is at least 25% of the total cost for chosen health benefits.
Yes, however, all participating employers in the OFB Health Benefits Plan renew on Jan. 1 of every year.
An overall renewal increase needed for the OFB Health Benefits Plan will be calculated based on a projection of the claims for the upcoming policy year for the entire OFB Health Benefits Plan. Each participating employer’s increase will then be calculated based on that employer’s specific claims history and risk profile, as well as any changes in the demographics and number of enrolled employees of the group.
During the policy period, employers may only elect to withdraw from the plan as of the end of a calendar month by giving written notice at least 30 days prior to that date. The plan has an assessment provision where an employer leaving the plan may need to contribute to any deficit of the plan. However, the OFB Health Benefits Plan has terminal liability protection which means the employer who may choose to leave is protected from any assessment should he or she leave the plan or the plan does not have enough assets to provide benefits.
The OFB Health Benefits Plan uses Anthem’s health care provider network – one of the largest provider networks in the state. You should, however, always use the provider directory to make sure doctors are in-network prior to any service.
Yes, participating employers in the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan are eligible for dental and/or vision plans offered by Anthem at a discounted rate. These are stand-alone, fully insured plans for which the participating employer contracts directly with Anthem. Life and disability plans are also available and underwritten by our partner, The Standard.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation established this health benefits plan. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots membership organization that works to support Ohio’s food and farm community.
Anyone who supports the mission of “Working for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities” can become an Ohio Farm Bureau member. You do not need to own land or livestock to qualify.
Yes. Only one membership per household is required for coverage. This also covers dependents up to 18 years old. Young Active Membership is $40 per year for individuals 18-24 years old. Anyone 25 or older will pay standard dues.
Visit OhioFarmBureauHealthPlans.org for detailed information on plans, comparisons, and agent listings.
You can reach out through the website or contact Ohio Farm Bureau Director of Health Services Trevor Kirkpatrick for any inquiries. [email protected]