суббота, 15 сентября 2012 г.

STATE REP. SUDER WANTS FARMERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR STATE HEALTH INSURANCE - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

Wisconsin State Rep. Scott Suder, R-Clark (69th District), issued the following news release:

State Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) launched an initiative today in cooperation with State Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) which would allow Wisconsin farmers and their employees to participate in the state's health insurance program. Because of their high risk lifestyle, Suder said that many farmers are often denied healthcare coverage or forced to pay thousands of dollars a month for premiums. The lawmaker said this bill will give farming families more affordable health care options by opening up the state's health insurance purchasing power and easing the risk for farmers who want to participate in the program.

'Many Wisconsin farmers are leaving agriculture altogether because of the high cost of health insurance,' Suder said. 'State healthcare access will at least give our farmers an affordable option so they might be able to keep the barn doors open.' Suder's 'Healthcare for Farmers' bill will make the state's health insurance group pool and premium rates available to any individual who is actively engaged in the farming business and has carried private health insurance coverage within the last six months. The lawmaker said employees of the farm would also be eligible for coverage. Any farmer who chooses to participate in the program could choose any one of the many health care coverage options that are currently offered to state employees. The farmer would be required to pay for the full cost of the monthly premiums.

'It makes sense to allow our farmers to buy into the state health insurance plan,' Suder stated. 'The longer we wait to create options for our farm families, the more it will cost all taxpayers.' In the future, Suder said he would also like to allow other small businesses and state citizens who are unable to purchase affordable healthcare options to be eligible to participate in the state health insurance pool. He said the more people we add to the existing pool of participants the more purchasing power the state would have to negotiate lower premiums.

For more information on this bill or any other legislative matter please feel free to contact Representative Suder toll-free at 1-(888) 534-0069.Contact: State Representative Scott Suder, 1/888-534-0069.

State Representative Scott Suder, 1/888-534-0069.