Alongside U.S. Sen Herb Kohl, D-Wis., Gov. Jim Doyle announced Monday the creation of a new health-care insurance program which will lower rates to Wisconsin farm families.
Led by the Farmers' Health Cooperative of Wisconsin, the program aims to deliver better health care by self-governance.
According to FHCW, the program will be owned and run by its farmer and agribusiness members, providing an understanding of the health risks an individual faces on an everyday basis.
""This is a company that understands farming because it is owned by farmers,"" Bill Oemichen, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, said in a statement.
The proposal will provide a unique level of coverage.
""Most of our small family farms aren't required to purchase workers compensation coverage, and producers falsely believe their health insurance will cover these claims if they're hurt,"" Oemichen said.
""Coverage through the Farmers' Health Cooperative is designed to meet this and many other needs unique to farming.""
The program, however, still has many fields to plow before it can be offered to farmers.
According to Scott Becher, spokesperson for state Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton, recent legislation continues to move toward more co-ops and more pooling of resources and has continued to do so for a while.
He warns, however, that the proposal is not yet a law.
""Any kind of legislative proposal has to be passed both by the Assembly and the Senate and signed into law by the governor,"" Becher said. ""Just because someone put out a proposal for it doesn't necessarily mean that it will happen.""
Wisconsin Farmers expressed excitement at the prospect of a new insurance plan.
""I'd say it's a pretty good deal for farmers and their families,"" said New Glaurus dairy farmer Dan Truttman.
""It'll be a great way to keep a lid on costs and get better coverage for themselves.""
