Can Farmers Qualify for Medicare?

The average age of U.S. farmers is growing older, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s important for farmers to look after their health now and begin considering their healthcare options for the future.

While there are a variety of healthcare insurance options available, even those who qualify for free Medicare may find it does not cover all of their needs. FBN® Health offers an affordable way to supplement Medicare with add-ons.

This post will outline:

  • What Is Medicare?

  • Who Qualifies for Medicare?

  • FBN Health Plans for Farmers

  • Medicare Add-Ons for Farmers

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a U.S. federal health insurance program. There are four parts to Medicare. Let’s explore them.

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part A is most commonly associated with inpatient hospital visits. However, it may also include receiving care at a skilled nursing facility. Furthermore, it may include certain types of home healthcare, such as hospice.

Part B: Medicare Insurance

Unlike Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient service, Medicare Part B covers outpatient care. It may include some doctors’ services and preventative care. As well, it may include medical supplies.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Part C brings together the coverage provided by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, many times also including Medicare Part D, as a single health plan, which is offered by private insurance businesses. The Medicare Advantage plan offers enhanced benefits like dental, vision, and hearing services. 

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D is the federal insurance program for prescription drug coverage. This includes many of the recommended vaccines and shots available.

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

Eligibility for Medicare is managed by the Social Security Administration.

Medicare coverage is typically for individuals who are over the age of 65. However, some younger people also may be eligible if they have a disability, ALS (sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease), or End-Stage Renal Disease (irreversible kidney failure that requires a transplant or dialysis).

As Medicare is overseen by the Social Security Administration, one must either be a U.S. citizen or an alien who is lawfully accepted for permanent residency and residing for five uninterrupted years in the United States for at least one month prior to their Medicare application.

Beginning from the first day of the month they turn 65 years old, individuals who are already receiving Social Security benefits are automatically qualified for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Likewise, those individuals who are under 65 years old but are already entitled to disability benefits from Social Security will be automatically qualified for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B when they reach the 25th month of being entitled to disability benefits.

Those who are not yet receiving Social Security benefits will need to apply for Medicare. Farmers who meet the above criteria are eligible to receive Medicare coverage.

FBN Health Plans for Farmers

FBN Health offers plans that are specifically designed for farmers. We offer a variety of healthcare plan options, so that you can select the one that best suits your needs and budget. 

There are plans available for agricultural businesses of varying sizes. This includes operating farms with one to nine employees as well as plans for those that have more than 10 employees.

Our team of experts has partnered with Mike Keith Insurance (MKI) to support you with personalized service. We will help you pick the healthcare plan that is the right one for your operation and, if needed, serve as your claims advocate. 

Nationwide Networks

FBN Health plans are available exclusively in the United States. Each of the plans has provider networks that are both regional and nationwide. This makes it simple to locate an in-network provider anywhere in the country, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Comprehensive Care

The best medicine is preventative care. This is true for everyone and is especially important for individuals who spend long days working outside, where there is exposure to the elements, and who do physical labor. Our plans offer $0 preventative care.

FBN understands that farmers sometimes live far distances from doctors and during certain seasons need to be on-hand at the farm. That’s why we’re proud to offer telemedicine care.

Our comprehensive plans additionally offer coordinated care and disease management for chronic conditions.

Ambulance Coverage

If you live or work on a farm, a hospital may not be nearby. FBN Health gives you the option to boost your healthcare so it includes not only land ambulance rides but also air rides at 100%.

Medicare Add-Ons for Farmers

The typical retirement age for U.S. farmers is 75 years old. Of course this is dependent on their overall health. Sometimes farmers are forced into early retirement.

Even those farm workers who are eligible for Medicare may find that they want to plan for additional healthcare to fill the gaps and reduce costs. FBN Health offers an affordable option for supplementing traditional Medicare.

Our team wants farmers to have peace of mind that they can see the providers they need. We’ll work closely with those interested in our Medicare add-ons to ensure that the doctors and hospitals needed are in our provider network before you sign up for a FBN Health plan.

Want more information? Simply fill out this short form, and we’ll send you an email about how to apply.


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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.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal, financial, or any other professional advice. Farmers are encouraged to consult with insurance professionals or Medicare experts to determine their eligibility and explore suitable insurance options. Neither Farmer’s Business Network nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

FBN Health is currently available in all 50 states.

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