health care
Elements of the health care legislation benefit farmers
(January 28, 2011) - Over the years as we have talked to farmers about their health care coverage, we find that they fall into four groups. A large number of farmers have a spouse who works in town and has access to health insurance through an employer-paid group insurance program. When asked, these farmers often acknowledge that the health insurance coverage is more important than the salary.
A second group of farmers does not have access to an employer-paid group insurance program and are forced to purchase their insurance either through a farm group or in the individual market. This often means higher premiums and higher deductibles. Except for the largest farmers, every illness is a question of “can we afford to go to the doctor or will it clear up by itself.” While some have argued that health care costs are so high because those with employer-paid plans go to the doctor too often, many of the farmers in this situation don’t go to the doctor’s office often enough.
A number of farmers simply go without health insurance. They can’t afford both the insurance premium and the seed and fertilizer they need; and the part-time job in town doesn’t provide health care coverage at an affordable price. If they or a member of their family experiences a catastrophic illness, it could mean the loss of the farm.
Farmers have a stake in the health care debate
(February 5, 2010) - The issue of universal-or near universal-health care has been in the news for much of the last year as the Obama administration has been seeking to fulfill a promise made on the campaign trail. The Senatorial election in Massachusetts, the State of the Union message, and the discussion between the President and the Republicans in Congress has forced a re-evaluation of how far health-care reform should go and what measures could be taken.
While health care issues take center stage about once every 20 years, it is an issue that we hear farmers talk about year-in and year-out. For many farmers, the concern is not universal coverage, it is their coverage and the coverage of their children who have come back to the farm or might be considering a return to farming.
This ongoing concern on the part of farmers caused us to think about the stake that farmers have in the current debate.
Some farmers or their spouses work for an employer who offers group health care coverage as a part of employment. At times, health care coverage is the primary reason for seeking off-farm employment and staying with it until Medicare kicks in.
Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention around the corner
St. Paul (November 5, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is having their annual state convention Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis.
"Every year since 1942, Farmers Union members have gathered to develop our state policy from ideas they bring to the table," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "We then take that policy to the state and federal level and fight for the issues important to our members! During policy debate this year, some of the issues I expect we will be discussing are health care, climate change, and fair pricing for livestock and grain production."
Along with policy discussion, there will be elections for both Farmers Union President and Vice President. Doug Peterson, current MFU President, is running for re-election unopposed; and long-time MFU Vice President, Dennis Sjodin, has decided to not run for re-election. There are four candidates for Vice President, and they are: Tim Henning of Adrian, Scott Hoese of Mayer, Tim Velde of Granite Falls, and Gary Wertish of Renville.
MFU members return from visiting legislators in Washington, D.C.
St. Paul (September 17, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union members joined 200 farmers and ranchers from across the country in Washington, D.C., for National Farmers Union's legislative fly-in September 14-16.
"Having our members out in Washington D.C. allows them to talk directly to our representatives in Congress, putting a face to the problems of rural Minnesotans," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "We discussed the importance of helping our dairy farmers and hog farmers, the need for rural Americans to receive quality health care, and urged the Senate to follow the lead of the House of Representatives and pass comprehensive climate change legislation that ensures that farmers will be involved, and that the United States Department of Agriculture is granted control and administration of the agriculture offset program."
Public Policy: For the Public Good or Private Profit?
(June 26, 2009) - At critical juncture points in public policy, stakeholders with the most power (read biggest and most effective lobbying organizations) go all out to tilt public policy in their favor. No surprise there. The amazing thing is how little flack they get when they openly contradict the very purpose of the policy or policy change.
The current health-care debate is a case in point. Reforming health care has become a "must-do" in this country. It costs too much and does not provide adequate care to all in need.
Several remedies have been suggested including the addition of a "public" health insurance plan as a way to broaden accessibility and lower costs of the health care delivery system.
In a June 21, 2009 Washington Post column, George Will asserts "Competition from the public option must be unfair because government does not need to make a profit and has enormous pricing and negotiating powers."
MFU member Elaine Torpet of Fertile testifies in support of the MN Health Plan
St. Paul (February 27, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union member Elaine Torpet of Fertile recently testified before the Minnesota House of Representatives Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee in favor of the Minnesota Health Plan.
Elaine grew up in Canada and has lived in the United States for 47 years. Shortly after moving here, she started tirelessly working for health care reform.
"Being raised in Canada, and living on a farm in the United States gives Elaine a great perspective into the problems of our country's health care system," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "She understands the struggles family farmers go through finding health care coverage off the farm, as well as what it was like to live in a country that has universal health care. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone better qualified than Elaine to help us fix our broken health care system."