5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Health Plan

FBN Network

Aug 01, 2023

Health insurance can often be confusing.

When you're ready to make a decision about health coverage for your farm, ask yourself these five questions to help you determine the right fit for your family and ag operation. And remember - while it’s important to do your own research, be sure to reach out to an insurance agent you trust with specific questions for your unique situation.

1. How much will health coverage cost?

This is the first thing most people want to know when shopping for health coverage. Depending on the type of plan you are looking at, the costs can vary dramatically.

For example, plans that are medically underwritten like the ones FBN® Health offers, have rates that are based on factors such as age, general health and gender. Other more traditional offerings may have a flat rate based on age and state.

It is important to look at more than just the price when determining which plan is right for you. Make sure you are looking at the total costs, including:

  • Premium (what you pay each month/year)

  • Deductibles

  • Copays

  • Out-of-pocket maximum amounts


[RELATED: Health Coverage for Farmers: What Are Your Options?]


2. What are my options if I have a pre-existing condition?

Depending on what your pre-existing conditions are you could potentially be limited in your plan options. Plans through Healthcare.gov are not allowed to exclude your participation for pre-existing conditions. Other offerings, such as those that are medically underwritten may exclude certain pre-existing conditions.

If you question whether or not you may be denied coverage, be sure to ask your licensed health agent what options may be available to you.

3. How can I find out if my provider is in the network?

It is important to do your research before enrolling in a new health plan. Part of that research should include reviewing the plan’s provider network. Check the plan’s website or ask your agent to verify ahead of time that providers and facilities you need are considered to be in network.

4. Are dental and vision included with my health plan? 

In most cases, these items will be separate. Make sure you ask your agent during your research if they are included or not. Never assume additional coverage is included without verifying through your agent and your plan paperwork.

5. Are my prescriptions covered? 

Prescription drug coverage is an important part of your health plan. Just like with providers, make sure you do your research to verify that necessary drugs are included in your plan. You should be able to request a copy of your plan’s formulary, or list of covered drugs,  if you have specific questions. 

Health Coverage for Farmers from FBN Health

If you have questions regarding health coverage for your farm or are interested in learning more about the coverage options available from FBN Health, reach out to our team at 877-892-3303 to talk to one of our experts or click here to get a custom quote online.


© 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network” and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.

FBN does not offer traditional health insurance. But while we do not offer traditional health insurance, we do offer FBN Health. FBN Health is marketed by FBN Insurance LLC. FBN Insurance LLC is not a licensed insurance company or agency and its employees and representatives are not licensed life and health insurance agents. Policies marketed by FBN Health are level-funded group health benefit plans offered and administered by Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc. (“BPA”) and Employers Business Alliance ("EBA") and available only where BPA and EBA are licensed." If you submit the Get A Quote Form, a licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you on behalf of BPA or EBA. You cannot obtain coverage under a health plan until you complete and submit an application for the plan and your application is approved and accepted by BPA or EBA. Eligibility and benefit exclusions and limitations apply.

FBN Health is currently available in all 50 states.

FBN Network

Aug 01, 2023