Survey finds farmers spend twice the national average for health care

A survey in six Midwestern states found that, on average, ranchers and farmers spend twice as much on health care as those in other professions (Source: “Old McDonald had a cow and a whole lot of medical costs,” Minneapolis Star-Tribine, Sept. 16, 2008).

The  survey of farmers and ranchers in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota found that the average cost of health care was $11,200, compared to a $5,600 average for non-farmers. The cost includes health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. While a higher percentage of farmers are insured compared to the general population, their coverage is typically more expensive because most buy insurance directly or through an agent, the survey found.