ICYMI: Iowa farmers say failure to extend health care credits puts them in a bad spot

DES MOINES – Iowa farmers say that if Congress fails to extend health care credits, they will face going without health care or with much-reduced benefits, which will make it harder for them to stay in business.

An estimated 27 percent of farmers rely on the Affordable Care Act marketplace for their healthcare. 

Health insurance providers are raising prices by an average of 26 percent in 2026 and if enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of this year, KFF estimates that subsidized enrollees will see their monthly premium payments more than double.  

Here’s what Iowa farmers are saying: 

• Matt Russell, Marion County Farmer: 

“The Affordable Care Act provided a path for small businesses, entrepreneurs and farmers to pursue livelihoods that didn’t require having someone work a job for the health insurance benefits. …Remember the days when the farming family had to have an off-farm job for health insurance? Because Republicans are letting these enhanced premium tax credits expire, we are headed back in that direction.” 

• Seth Watkins, Page County Farmer:

Insurance premiums for his family of four are set to increase from about $600 each month to $2,300, plus an increased out-of-pocket threshold per person. “Our politicians talk about us being the backbone of our economy, and yet the people that are making these decisions have great benefits. I’d like them to put themselves in our shoes and understand what this is like.” 

• Beth Hoffman, Monroe County Farmer: 

Beth and her husband are at or below the 400% poverty line most years, which for a household of two in 2025 is about $84,600 annually. Hoffman said with the enhanced credits, there was a graduated drop-off that meant if they sold slightly more beef one year and their income tipped to $85,000, they would still be eligible for a portion of the premium tax credits. If the credits are not extended and Hoffman’s farm brings in more than $85,000 in 2026, she and her husband would owe that credit, which she said would be close to $16,000. 

Also at play today: 

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks introduced a health care bill that is moving through Congress today and tomorrow. Her bill does not extend ACA premium tax credits nor fix the immediate premium spike farmers are facing.

“If that’s their plan to address what we’re facing with the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits, then they’re basically saying: you’re on your own for ‘26,”  Russell said. 

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