Farmers across the United States had a difficult year with lower prices for crops such as corn and soybeans and rising supply costs like fertilizer and seeds. And 2026 is likely to become even more challenging as they face sharp increases in health insurance premiums when the government health subsidies expire at the end of 2025.
One of many farmers facing this challenge is James Davis, 55, a farmer in northern Louisiana who says he and his wife can no longer afford the rate hike. Their monthly insurance bill is expected to cost four times more and reach almost $2,700. “There’s nothing to talk about,” he said. “Without the subsidies, it’s impossible.”
Farmers rely on these subsidies more than most with over a quarter of farmers purchasing coverage through the individual marketplace, compared to only 6% of all U.S. adults. With these sharp increases, many will be forced to go without coverage. But, waiving insurance is extremely risky and dangerous as their fatality rate in the workplace is seven times the national average, and in one study, workplace accidents can cost up to $10,000 in medical bills and thousands more in lost work time.
This crisis comes at a time when Americans are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the U.S. healthcare system. Recent national polls reveal that most Americans feel that the system is in crisis or facing critical problems, with high costs as the top and most urgent concern. Rural communities where farmers reside often have fewer doctors, limited hospital access, and longer travel times for care. As insurance becomes less affordable, the gap between rural and urban healthcare grows even wider.
In addition, many farmers are already carrying medical debt. A 2022 national study showed that more than 20% of farmers owe $1,000 in medical bills, and over half are doubtful that they could afford the treatment needed for a major injury or illness.
Some farmers are even considering working outside the farm solely to secure insurance coverage. Other farmers say they may be forced to limit how much they can grow and sell, since earning over a certain threshold means losing eligibility for the subsidies. But higher profits don’t always equate being able to afford the full cost of the premiums. To make matters worse, intentionally limiting profits can negatively affect their business in the long-term.Besides physical health, mental health is also a rising concern for farmers, especially as insurance becomes less accessible. The financial stress of healthcare could worsen this further. Research shows that farmers are twice as likely to die by suicide as the general population. In 2025, rural crisis hotlines have reported a surge in calls, indicating rising stress levels. These trends mirror broader national surveys, which reveal that many Americans struggle to access affordable mental health care – a challenge that is exacerbated in rural areas where providers can be scarce.