Healthcare costs have more than doubled for many farmers this year, on top of soaring expenses

Ben Steffen, 64, has farmed in Nebraska since the 1980s. This year, Steffen will likely pay about $30,000 for healthcare coverage for himself and his wife. (Marissa Lindemann/Harvest Public Media) By Macy Byars, Harvest Public Media (July 27, 2026) When Congress allowed Affordable Care Act tax credits to lapse, healthcare premiums spiked for millions of Americans — especially self-employed farmers…