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40 Square offers health insurance to Minnesota ag community

An independent business that sells health insurance exclusively to Minnesota farmers and agribusinesses reports a strong first year.

Char Vrieze, executive director of 40 Square Cooperative Solutions, says nearly 1,100 individuals have enrolled in a health plan since January.

“Members have said that they love that they own it, that it’s transparent.  They will be able to see what they pay in in premiums and what’s paid out in claims.”

She tells Brownfield 40 Square gives the ag community more health plan choices and a larger provider network in their local area.

“We are in an anomaly year with premium rates going down, but prior to that there has been continuous double-digit increases.”

The 40 Square co-op is governed by a board of directors elected by members who pay in to self-fund the health plan.

Vrieze has seen a lot of interest in this unique model.  She says several Midwestern states have contacted 40 Square to inquire about offering services beyond Minnesota.