On March 28, Nebraska lawmakers granted final approval to a bill aimed at providing affordable health benefits to farmers and ranchers in the state. Sponsored by Sen. Robert Dover of Norfolk, LB1313 allows certain nonprofit agricultural organizations to operate self-funded health benefit plans without being subject to insurance regulation as long as they provide benefits through a licensed third-party administrator.
To be eligible, 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 laid out 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.