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Nebraska Farmers Union warns of growing rural healthcare crisis

The president of a state farmers union is sounding the alarm over access to rural health care for producers.

John Hansen of Nebraska says one of the top reasons for farm bankruptcies have been the result of a serious injury that wasn’t covered by a health care policy. “You’re not only undermining individual healthcare viability, but we’re also putting hospitals at risk. And then we’re going to lose healthcare facilities unless something is done.”

He says changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could make the situation worse. “Coming out of the budget reconciliation bill, we’re seeing private policies that do have exclusions in them, which is not helpful.”

And, he says, the level of Medicare reimbursements to rural hospitals also contributes to their cash flow issues.

Hansen tells Brownfield a massive overhaul is urgently needed due to the economic strain facing many farmers and ranchers. “Folks say, you know, I paid $500 a month last time and the same policy going forward will be $1,500 a month and my deductible is going to go up to $7,500.”

He says the proximity of major hospitals to farms and ranches is also a significant concern.

John Hansen: