Nebraska farmers and ranchers are set to benefit from a bill that aims to provide affordable health benefits. On March 28, lawmakers granted final approval to LB1313, which allows health benefit plans sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations to operate without insurance regulation if they provide benefits through a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator.
Sen. Robert Dover of Norfolk sponsored the bill, which was designed to help improve access to healthcare for agricultural workers in the state. To be eligible for the program, an organization must have been established primarily to promote programs for the development of rural communities and the economic stability of Nebraska farmers, as well as meet several other requirements outlined in the bill. Before offering health benefits, an organization must submit a certification to the state Department of Insurance confirming that it meets these requirements.
Under LB1313, plans may have their risks reinsured by a company authorized to do business in Nebraska. The bill ultimately passed with a unanimous vote of 45-0, providing hope for improved access to affordable health benefits for agricultural workers in the state.