Hawkins Renews Push For Missouri To Allow Farm Bureau's Health Coverage Plans

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins begins his remarks to Farm Bureau members at the group’s 109th Annual Meeting on Dec. 4, 2023 in Osage Beach. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

Missouri Farm Bureau touted another year of exceeding membership goals, but the group is still unable to offer to its 153,000 members healthcare plans. During his speech to attendees of Farm Bureau’s 109th annual meeting Monday morning in Osage Beach, President Garrett Hawkins renewed calls for the Missouri General Assembly to pass legislation that would allow them to do so. Hawkins says providing rural Missourians another option for health coverage will help keep more families on the farm.

Central MO Info · 23 1205 Missouri Farm Bureau Pres. Garrett Hawkins on Health Coverage Plans cut 1

Hawkins says Farm Bureau has the infrastructure and expertise in place to offer plans once enabling legislation takes effect.

Central MO Info · 23 1205 Missouri Farm Bureau Pres. Garrett Hawkins on Health Coverage Plans cut 2

Health coverage was one of the priorities outlined in Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins’ address to members. Hawkins reflected on the outcome of recent court battles challenging California’s Proposition 12 and the EPA’s Waters of the United States rules, as well as ongoing efforts to protect the property rights of Missouri farmers. Several state leaders also addressed attendees, including Gov. Mike Parson and Sen. Josh Hawley.

Also recognized at Monday’s general session were three recipients of the Outstanding Service to Agriculture award: former Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow director Kristin Perry, outgoing Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe, and longtime farm broadcaster Cyndi Young. Farm Dog of the Year honors went to a collie from Concordia named Cole, owned by Aaron Brown.