Representative Peterson Applauds Passage of Senate Bill 100

State Representative Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) is pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 100, which creates an opportunity for members of the Ohio Farm Bureau to access a more affordable, personalized health insurance coverage plan. Rep. Peterson championed the provision in the House through House Bill 99.

The bill aims to address a significant barrier facing many of those working on farms and in the agriculture industry, which is securing affordable healthcare for their families. The Farm Bureau Health Plan, as created through the bill, is an individually evaluated plan, self-governed and self-funded for members of the Ohio Farm Bureau, making it exempt from regulation and not subject to Affordable Care Act guidelines. Senate Bill 100 allows those in the agricultural community to have access to another option for more affordable healthcare coverage. 

“Any farmer or small business owner knows that finding economical health insurance is one of their greatest challenges,” said Rep. Peterson. “The inability to have reasonable health insurance can discourage individuals from starting a business or becoming a full-time farmer. This bill creates an affordable option for individuals to receive health insurance.” 

Agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, having an economic impact of more than $100 billion and employing one out seven Ohioans. Additionally, Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, 90% of which are family owned.

Senate Bill 100 now goes to the Governor for his signature.