JG&A has represented Farm Bureau Healthcare for the last year to help obtain passage in Congress. While the AHP coalition, comprise of over 200 business, has primarily concentrated on the U.S. House, Farm Bureau has been working to target the Senate. The House has seen this bill four times and has passed it each of the last five Congresses, yet the Senate has never taken up the bill. Because of President Bush’s strong support, it has been widely expected the AHP legislation has its best chance of passage. Farm Bureau wants to take advantage of the momentum.

Farm Bureau, while supporting the legislation, has been one of it strongest critics advocating changes in solvency, number of minimum association members to establish a plan, and other aspects to strengthen the legislation. Pat Chestnut, Manger of Washington State’s Farm Bureau Services stated “the American farmer is at a disadvantage. This legislation if enacted, will allow farmers and ranchers to have the same advantages as big business allowing access to establish ERISA health plans. “

The Farm Bureau will distribute its briefing to Congress, State Governors and Insurance Commissioners.

The American Farm Bureau comprises a membership of over 5.3 million members.