40 Square Cooperative Solutions is returning to the Gilfillan Estate in Morgan for Farmfest Aug. 1-3. After using a different booth space in 2022, the co-op will be stationed in Booth #2502 (in the white barn between seventh and eighth streets) to build stronger connections with Minnesota’s agricultural community by promoting greater access to rural health care.

“Farmfest is a perfect summer event for our team to visit with current and potential members and learn firsthand the health care challenges facing agriculture,” Executive Director Amanda Beavens said. “That also gives us a chance to tell our story.”

40 Square is currently in its sixth year of offering quality health plans. The Mankato-based organization enrolls agribusinesses and farm families throughout the year, not just during the traditional “open enrollment” season. At Farmfest, 40 Square leaders will encourage attendees to visit 40square.coop to complete a census form and learn about the organization’s affordable health plan options. Prospective plan participants can also email info@40square.coop to receive a quick rate estimate.

Active 40 Square members can also receive a free T-shirt at the 40 Square booth.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our members and thanking them for their support of 40 Square,” Beavens said.

Established over 50 years ago, Farmfest is the state’s premier outdoor farm event and covers 50 acres of land to promote products, services and technologies featuring over 500 exhibitors and vendors.

“I’ve been going to Farmfest for a long time, and it’s always a great venue to engage with farmers and agribusinesses,” said 40 Square Board Chair Cole Trebesch, who farms in Springfield. “For 40 Square, it’s a chance to grow and connect.” 

One of a kind

40 Square remains the state’s only agricultural co-op focusing exclusively on providing agribusinesses – and their employees – along with farm families, agriculture trade associations and cooperatives access to self-funded health plan options. 40 Square has covered hundreds of agribusinesses and farm families over its six years of offering health plans.

To qualify to join 40 Square, a business must earn at least 25% of its income from providing direct service to production agriculture. This provision also includes farm corporations that do not file a Schedule F or Form 1065 with their income taxes (regardless of income).

“A qualifying agribusiness isn’t just a seed or ag parts dealer,” Beavens said. “Because so many rural communities rely on agriculture to sustain their economies, we can expand the definition of an ‘agribusiness’ to include businesses like car dealerships and banks, among many other industries that are directly connected to agriculture.”

Since its inception, 40 Square has worked tirelessly to offer a variety of major medical health plans with a range of options. All health plans include coverage for doctor visits, preventative care prescription drugs, hospital care, no-cost annual exams and more.

Depending on their desired deductible amount, members can choose from multiple plans through Aetna, 40 Square’s provider. And for those looking to lower their health care costs, 40 Square will be offering its no-prescription plan at Farmfest.

“You can save significant money if you go with the no-prescription plan,” Beavens said. “It’s a great option for those that don’t take regularly scheduled medicines. And with this plan, you can get a prescription savings card that will offer you discounts on the few prescriptions that may come up.”

Open network, value-based pricing plans are also being offered to new groups at Farmfest, which can save heath plan participants nearly 15% when compared to standard plan options. Because these are open network plans, every provider is eligible to deliver services and members are free to select their own provider.

40 Square also offers Aetna Premier Care Network Plus (APCN+) plan, which offers reduced rates to residents in 13 Minnesota counties: Anoka, Brown, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Nicollet, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Washington and Wright.

Available to three distinct groups – farm families, agribusinesses and agricultural trade associations and co-ops – 40 Square remains committed to helping Minnesota’s agricultural community receive access to comprehensive health plan options.

“You’re signing up for more than a plan when you sign up with us,” Beavens said. “You’re signing up to join our health care cooperative. Our board of directors are farmers just like everybody else on the plan. They’re the ones making decisions for the membership based on members’ feedback.”

The 40 Square difference means joining an organization that always keeps the best interests of its members at heart. Leaders are excited to share this message at the 2023 Farmfest.

“As a farmer, we are eternal optimists,” said 40 Square Board Director Kevin Lauwagie said. “I think we’re certainly a good organization that offers another look at health care, and we’re offering competitive coverage to Minnesota farm families and agriculture businesses.”

Contact

Interested in joining the growing number of Minnesotans who own their health plans with 40 Square? 40 Square could be the missing piece to solve your health care puzzle. Visit www.40Square.coop to learn more about its health plans, doctor network and more, or contact info@40Square.coop or call 844-205-9579. 40 Square Health Plan is a member owned self-insured, fully assessable multiple employer welfare arrangement.