HB 143 -- Missouri Universal Health Insurance Act

Sponsor:  Hughes

Upon voter approval, this bill establishes the Missouri Universal
Health Insurance Act, administered by the Department of Health
and Senior Services, to provide comprehensive and necessary
health care services for Missouri residents.  No deductibles,
co-payments, co-insurance, or other cost-sharing measures will be
imposed.

Only public or nonprofit institutions meeting state quality and
licensing guidelines can be a participating provider in the
program.  Private health insurers cannot sell insurance coverage
that duplicates benefits provided by the program.

The program will establish regional offices; and the department
director will provide funding, subject to appropriations, for
each region's expenditures.  The program and regional offices
will pay the expenses of institutional providers of health care,
and each provider is required to negotiate an annual budget with
the program which will cover anticipated expenses.  The program
will reimburse independent providers of health care on a
fee-for-service basis.  Other insurers and employers may offer
benefits that do not duplicate those offered by the program.

The program will be funded:

(1)  By vastly reduced paperwork;

(2)  By requiring a rational bulk procurement of medications;

(3)  From existing sources of state revenue for health care;

(4)  By increasing personal income taxes on the top 5% income
earners;

(5)  By instituting a modest payroll tax; and

(6)  By instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.

The State Board of Universal Quality and Access is established
consisting of 15 members appointed by the Governor, with the
advice and consent of the Senate.  The board will meet at least
twice a year to advise and report to the department director,
Governor, and General Assembly on the program to ensure quality,
access, and affordability.

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