As the U.S. farming population continues to age and shrink in numbers, many farmers face the painful and costly reality of being unable to secure affordable health care. A 2015 multi-state case study revealed 65 percent of farmers identified health care costs as the most serious threat to the economic viability of their operations.

Through recent farm bills, Congress has attempted to stimulate ag sector growth by funding new farmer/rancher programs designed to attract a new generation of farmers through training and education. Despite their good intentions, they did not consider how healthcare is critically needed to support rural economic development. Continue reading…