The government shutdown has many concerned about federal pay and services. Farmers face added stress over their government-sponsored health insurance.
Since many farm owners are self-employed, they prefer the Affordable Care Act for their health insurance because its benefits are better than those of private options.
Lance Boyer, Sales Director of Financial Products of South Dakota’s Farmer Union Insurance, told South Dakota Public Broadcasting that the shutdown would impact farm country, with farmers struggling to sell soybeans and facing rising input costs; the increasing cost of insurance adds further financial strain.
Boyer estimates that some farmers' premiums could exceed $1,200 per month, compared to just a few hundred dollars previously.
Meanwhile, Iowa congressman Randy Feenstra announced that he cosponsored two bills aimed at ensuring U.S. troops and border patrol agents continue to receive pay during the government shutdown.
