Proposal To Allow Kansas Farm Bureau To Offer Health Coverage Met With Strong Criticism Over Quality Of Plans

The Farm Bureau plans wouldn't be required to cover people with preexisting conditions. While its coverage might work like health insurance, the measure, like the Iowa law enacted last year, declares that the coverage "shall not be considered insurance," which would effectively exempt it from federal mandates and most state insurance regulations.

The Associated Press: Rural Kansas Lawmakers Push Farm Bureau Health Coverage Plan

Rural state lawmakers are pushing a plan to allow the Kansas Farm Bureau to offer health insurance coverage to members without having to comply with federal Affordable Care Act mandates in hopes that the influential agriculture group can offer a lower-cost product. But the proposal is drawing strong criticism from Democrats and health groups because the Farm Bureau would not be required to cover people with pre-existing medical conditions. (2/21)

Kansas City Star: Kansas Health Plan Wouldn’t Cover Pre-Existing Conditions

“According to a Gallup poll, citizens are more concerned about rising health premiums than pre-existing conditions,” said Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook, a Republican from Shawnee who voted for the bill. “We should support lower cost of acquiring health care coverage, so people can have it before they develop what would otherwise be pre-existing conditions.” Unlike plans under the ACA — commonly called Obamacare — alternatives like the Farm Bureau health plan could exclude people with pre-existing conditions. Such plans also wouldn’t have to cover things like maternity care, mental health and prescription drugs, which are required in ACA plans. (Marso, 2/21)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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