HCS HB 231 -- GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE AFTER TERMINATION
OF EMPLOYMENT

SPONSOR:  Yates

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Insurance Policy by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute requires group policies by a health carrier or
health benefit plan to comply with the federal Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) provisions regarding
the continuation of group health insurance coverage to an
individual who has terminated employment or membership.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill makes Missouri's COBRA
law consistent with federal COBRA law; and because of the federal
stimulus package, if an emergency clause is added, the bill will
increase the federal subsidy for states with compliant statutes.
The additional federal dollars will make COBRA premiums more
affordable.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Yates; and United
Healthcare.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying say that the bill makes the state
eligible for additional federal funds under the new stimulus
package and will provide a 65% subsidy for up to nine months of
COBRA benefits.

Testifying on the bill was Department of Insurance, Financial
Institutions and Professional Registration.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am