MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A coalition of 30 organizations from across Alabama has united in opposition to Senate Bill 84, which would allow the sale of substandard health plans, commonly known as Farm Bureau plans. If enacted, SB 84 would jeopardize access to health care and financial security for thousands of Alabamians who may enroll in these plans, particularly those with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
SB 84 would introduce dangerous health plans that lack essential patient protections, since they are not insurance and thus are not regulated as such. We want Alabamians to understand Farm Bureau health plans have the following risks:
In a letter signed by 30 organizations including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), advocates wrote that Farm Bureau plans do not provide a viable solution to Alabama’s healthcare coverage gaps. Instead, they could worsen the situation by discouraging more comprehensive policy options and shifting the financial burden onto the broader health care system.
“These plans are a step backward, returning us to a time when insurers could discriminate against the sick and deny coverage to those who need it most,” the letter reads.
"We urge lawmakers to reject SB 84 and instead work toward real solutions that ensure all Alabamians have access to quality, affordable healthcare," said Jane Adams, Alabama government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Alabama.