In letters sent to the House and Senate leadership, United Fresh joined specialty crop allies and the American Farm Bureau Federation in telling Congress about the potential negative impact healthcare reform legislation could have on agricultural businesses employing temporary or seasonal workers.

"Any healthcare bill that would require agriculture employers to provide coverage for temporary workers, or disqualify produce companies for certain tax credits because they may temporarily exceed employment thresholds would be detrimental for produce grower operations," said Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy at United Fresh.

Often seasonal or temporary workers have multiple employers and questions about coverage availability and how insurance would be coordinated to avoid duplicate coverage and unnecessary expenses would likely create confusion among employers. 

Healthcare legislation that has already passed the Senate recognizes the special needs of companies employing temporary workers. It defines a seasonal worker as someone who is employed for 120 or fewer days during the calendar year and excludes seasonal workers from the count that determines a company’s eligibility for small business tax incentives, thereby increasing the number of farm and ranch employers eligible for help in purchasing insurance. The Senate legislation also excludes seasonal workers from the count of employees that triggers employer penalties, minimizing the number of impacted seasonal employees. Ultimately, it is these provisions that must be included in any final version of health care reform legislation.

For questions contact Robert Guenther at 202-303-3400 ext. 409.