HB 1480 -- Missouri Universal Health Insurance Act

Sponsor:  Hughes

Upon voter approval, this bill establishes the Missouri Universal
Health Insurance Act and the Universal Health Insurance Program
within 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 and maintain 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 the department director on a regular basis
to ensure quality, access, and affordability and to report its
recommendations twice a year to the department director,
Governor, and General Assembly.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:11 pm