More than 1700 people across Minnesota have enrolled for health care coverage through two agricultural cooperative health plans during Minnesota’s recent open enrollment period. State Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) fiercely advocated for the health care reform during the last legislative session.

“Until 2017, farmers were in a tough spot with their health insurance,” said Sen. Goggin. “Folks in my district and other Greater Minnesota communities were being devastated by MNsure, but had little recourse; their options were really limited to only expensive MNsure plans on the individual market. We made important strides toward getting our health care market turned around in 2017, but one of my proudest achievements is the reform that lets farmers have access to more affordable group plans through ag co-ops. The early success of the new law speaks for itself.”

The change allowing farmers to purchase group health care plans through agricultural cooperatives was included in the Health Care Emergency Aid and Access Act, which provided emergency relief to Minnesotans who were being hit with high health insurance premiums due to MNsure.