Erpenbach Praises Launch of Farmers’ Health Care Cooperative
Joins Governor Doyle, Farmers to Launch Affordable Coverage Plan
Madison – State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) joined with Governor Jim Doyle and area farmers to announce the completion of the Farmers’ Health Cooperative of Wisconsin, geared towards providing affordable and comprehensive coverage to farmers across the state.
“Farmers across Wisconsin will finally have the opportunity to get real health care coverage they can afford,” said Erpenbach. “Agriculture is the backbone of the state’s economy and we have to keep our farmers farming.”
The Cooperative was established by the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives under the “Co-op Care” bill, which Erpenbach authored and helped pass the legislature. Like other cooperatives, this will permit farmers and other agriculture employees to purchase health insurance as a large group and increase their buying power.
“One of our most important goals in making health care affordable in Wisconsin is ensuring our farmers have the coverage they need,” said Erpenbach. “The plan we have put together will go along way to making this goal a reality.”
More than 2 out of 5 farmers report they are currently unable to insure the members of their families. The plan will allow farmers and their families to receive health benefits such as 24-hour care for work-related injuries, as well as prescription care and wellness coverage.
“Working with farmers, with the Governor, with members of both parties in the legislature, including Sen. Herb Kohl and Rep. Dave Obey in Congress and with the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, we were able to make this a reality,” said Erpenbach. “This is a big win for Wisconsin and an even bigger win for our farmers.”
Erpenbach said the plan, which begins April 1, includes 125 hospitals and 500 care facilities around the state. Similar to other cooperatives, profits are invested back to cooperatives and its members.
Farmers and businesses serving agriculture are invited to contact the Farmers Health Cooperative of Wisconsin for more information by calling 1-800-539-9370 or by contacting its website at www.farmershealthcooperative.com.
