Farmers Face a Health Insurance Crisis

Farmers are in a tight spot. They're already dealing with low crop prices and high costs for things like fertilizer and seeds. Now, the extra help they get to pay for health insurance is ending soon. This could leave many without coverage. James Davis, a farmer in Louisiana, is worried. His insurance will cost four times more next year. He says it's just too much. Many farmers rely on this help to afford insurance. Without it, they might have to go without coverage or find other jobs. Farming is risky. Farmers work with big machines, chemicals, and animals. They get hurt more often than other workers. Injuries can cost a lot of money. Many farmers already have medical debt. They're also more likely to struggle with mental health issues.Some farmers don't like asking for help. They see themselves as self-reliant. But without insurance, they could face big problems. Meghan Palmer, a dairy farmer in Iowa, knows this firsthand. She and her husband had to pay for medical bills out of pocket once. It was a tough lesson. The government is changing how it helps with health insurance. This could make things worse for farmers. They might have to choose between growing their business and keeping their insurance. Lawmakers aren't doing much to help. Some farmers feel ignored.