Letter to the Editor 2-15-19

Dear editor,
As president of the Cloud County Farm Bureau board, I strongly endorse Kansas Farm Bureau's effort to offer farmers and ranchers more choice when it comes to their health care.
KFB's proposal to the Kansas Legislature, known as Senate Bill 32, would allow producers in Cloud County to receive individual ratings, choose the benefits that make sense for them and receive care through and existing network of providers.
In addition to offering premiums 30 percent less expensive than current market options, KFB's health benefit offers a straightforward path to coverage compared to the time-consuming and cumbersome process of buying insurance through the health care exchange created by the Affordable Care Act.
It's not uncommon for local producers to spend several hours each year researching and selecting health insurance for their families. Sometimes they're looking for new coverage because of premium hikes will make their current coverage unaffordable. Other times it's because their insurance company decided to pull out of the market in Kansas.
KFB's health benefit will offer farmers and ranchers a straight-forward option to receive care they need in the communities where they live.
I urge the Kansas Legislature to allow KFB to offer this coverage to its members.
Clint Fraser
president of Cloud County Farm Bureau