Alfa Health Plans Offer Competitive Coverage Option

Alfa Health Plans legislation made headway in both chambers as the Alabama Legislature completed a third of the session this week.

Alfa Health Plans would offer members of the Alabama Farmers Federation affordable health coverage, combating increasing prices for the states’ agriculturalists. SB 84 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would authorize the Federation to sell Alfa Health Plans. 

The concept is gaining traction with legislators as Federation members and staff combat misinformation and educate lawmakers about the robust coverage, long-term benefits and strong consumer protection provided by Alfa Health Plans.

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said Alfa Health Plans legislation is modeled after Farm Bureau plans offered in 10 other states.

“Alfa Health Plans would offer competitive coverage and benefits while providing 30-60% in savings compared to insurance available now,” Hardin said. “Many farm families face tough decisions to pay out-of-pocket for health insurance, have a spouse work an off-farm job to provide health benefits or go without coverage. We believe Alfa Health Plans would offer a solution to these issues.”

Many farm families earn too much to qualify for subsidies. Others limit production to retain federal assistance. Alfa Health Plans would ease expenses, allowing farmers to grow production and keep families on the farm, Hardin said. 

Alfa Health Plans would be modeled after Tennessee Farm Bureau Health Plans, which have been offered since 1947. Under these plans, contracts provide evergreen coverage, meaning they cannot be cancelled due to health conditions if Federation membership is maintained and premiums are paid. 

“Another benefit is members can enroll at any time instead of waiting until traditional enrollment periods,” Hardin said. “There are also no annual or lifetime limits to benefits."

Alfa Health Plans would offer a proven option for members with the Federation’s grassroots structure providing local governance and accountability. These plans will also be administered through a third party and backed by a state-licensed reinsurer. A four-tier complaint resolution process will also ensure transparency and efficiency, Hardin said.

“Alfa Health Plans would encourage young farmers to continue operations or enter the industry,” Hardin said. “We need our members to contact their legislators and ask them to support Alfa Health Plans. These will only be possible through the Federation’s grassroots support system.”

Legislation Introduced to Allow Cotton Checkoff Cap Increase

Legislation to increase the assessment for the cotton checkoff was introduced in the House and Senate Thursday. 

SB 207 by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino, and HB 352 by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, would allow the Alabama Cotton Commission (ACC) to set the yearly assessment at any rate up to $1.30 per bale. It is currently capped at $1.

The ACC is recognized by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries as the checkoff steward and administrator. Funds are used for education, research and promotion to improve profitability, production efficiency and utilization of cotton and cotton products. 

With the referendum approaching its 10-year renewal, this is a crucial moment for Alabama’s cotton industry as production costs and inflation have continued to rise. By giving producers the option to raise the checkoff ceiling, the ACC is seeking to offset production costs through promotion to expand markets and research to increase production and efficiency. The ACC has said it does not plan to raise the assessment over $1 within the next two years, unless inflation drives a need for additional research funding.

Alabama Farmers Federation Cotton Commodity Director Carla Hornady said Carnley and Crawford understand the need for flexibility in funding.

“We appreciate Sen. Carnley and Rep. Crawford for introducing this legislation on behalf of Alabama’s cotton farmers,” Hornady said. “Cotton holds an important place in the state’s ag industry, and the freedom for the commission to increase the funding amount ensures it remains a driving economic force.”

The cap increase was requested by the ACC, which consists of farmers. The Federation's State Cotton Committee supports the legislation.

SB 207 awaits action in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, chaired by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay. HB 352 awaits action in the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee, chaired by Crawford. 

Byrd Appointed to Fire Personnel Board

Left: Shelby County Farmers Federation board member Lance Byrd and his family are pictured with Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. Right: Byrd and family are pictured with Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, prior to the Senate Confirmation Committee meeting.

Shelby County Farmers Federation board member Lance Byrd was appointed to the Alabama Firefighters’ Personnel Standards & Education Commission with the appointment approved by the Senate Confirmations Committee Wednesday. 

Byrd owns and operates Green Valley Farms in Montevallo while serving as assistant fire chief for Montevallo Fire and Rescue. Byrd is also the Alabama Farmers Federation State Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee chairman. 

Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts said Byrd’s appointment is representative of many county Federation leaders who serve their communities. 

“Finding ways to be involved and shape the landscape of local communities is important for Federation leaders,” Roberts said. “We appreciate Lance’s willingness to serve on the commission to promote strong firefighting services across the state, which are especially important in our rural communities.” 

Byrd was appointed by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and was approved by the Senate Confirmations Committee, chaired by Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield. The appointment will be confirmed by a Senate vote in the coming weeks.

County Federations Host Legislative Breakfasts

County Federations across Alabama have recently hosted legislative breakfasts, inviting lawmakers and other elected officials to join members and discuss pressing issues. Contact the Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department (information at the end of the newsletter) if your county plans to hosts a legislative meeting.

Montgomery County

Elmore County

Jefferson County

Baldwin County

Calhoun County

St. Clair County

Bills in Brief:

Updated Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship Requirements: SB 185 by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, would update the requirements for creating a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), effecting how veterinarians may prescribe medication. The bill was reported favorably out of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee Wednesday. The Alabama Farmers Federation is reviewing the legislation with other stakeholders to ensure this creates no negative impacts on livestock producers.

Migrant Labor Broker Requirement Updates: HB 302 by Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, would require labor brokers who recruit migrant workers under federal parole or asylum programs for employment in Alabama to register with the Department of Workforce. It would also mandate employers use E-Verify and impose new sponsorship reporting requirements. This would not apply to federal H-2A and H-2B programs. The bill was reported favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday and awaits a House vote.

The Legislature will reconvene Tuesday, March 4 for day 11 of a possible 30 days. 

The House will convene at 1 p.m. and Senate will convene at 2 p.m. 

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Capitol Connection | Alabama Farmers Federation | (334) 288-3900 | AlfaFarmers.org

Questions?

 Brian Hardin - Director, External Affairs Department

 Preston Roberts - Director, Agricultural Legislation

Russ Durrance - Director, State Legislative Programs

John Allen Nichols - Agriculture Counsel

Morgan Desselle - Legislative and Policy Assistant

Beth Chapman - Beth Chapman and Associates, LLC