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Gronemus Encourages Farmers to Sign-Up for Coop Health Care Program
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 11/05/2007

Since high health care costs continue to be a concern in the agricultural industry, one state lawmaker says farmers should take the time to check into the new cooperative health insurance plan being offered. State Representative Barb Gronemus of Whitehall, the Ranking and Senior Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly Committee on Agriculture, says it cannot hurt farmers and agribusinesses to weigh the cost and benefits of the Farmers' Health Cooperative of Wisconsin program--which is initiated by the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives and approved by the Wisconsin Legislature.

"Farmers face a special difficulty finding affordable health insurance because often they are in their 50's or more, self-employed, and engaged in an occupation that insurance providers consider dangerous," Gronemus says. "It is clear that an older couple who farms and isn't a part of a group faces an even greater struggle."

Gronemus notes that a survey showed 14-percent of Wisconsin farmers had no insurance at all. Another 17-percent had only catastrophic coverage, and more than one-third of all farmers or their spouses have taken off-farm jobs primarily to obtain health insurance benefits for the family.

Information on this health care plan, which Gronemus helped draft, is available by calling 800-539-9370.


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