Many of our farmers have their health insurance plans set up as a GROUP PLAN. A group consists of a minimum of  2 individuals who contribute to the business (i.e.. husband and wife). If the family has few medical conditions and low utilization of services this offers average premiums for individuals across the state of Montana, often rewarding those people who have healthy lifestyles.  There are many benefits to group health insurance. In addition to potential lower premiums, group plans may also offer coverage for which the DEDUCTIBLE IS WAIVED: Doctor services, mammograms, well child care and supplemental accident services. As with everything else in nature, there is a downside to every upside...Because the Group rates are based on medical utilization of the members of the group, if the potential medical risks of the few people on the group are higher than the premiums contributed- the rates of the group will increase at renewal. If the group rates exceed the potential combination of rates on an individual basis there is always the option to break up the group plan. Any person coming off of a group plan who is uninsurable on an individual policy because of medical conditions has the option to select MCHA Portability coverage. Portability was designed to protect individuals moving off of or between group health insurance plans. The rates are higher than individual coverage but there is no underwriting and the combination of coverage for the family bay be lower than on a group if the group develops excessive risks. Get creative with your coverage and plan ahead!