Summary of the Committee Version of the Bill

HB 1926 -- CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

CO-SPONSORS:  Fraser, Kreider, Barry, Foley, Hilgemann, Kelly
(27), Carnahan, Thompson, Curls, Johnson (90), Crump, Riback
Wilson (25), Lawson

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 11 to 3.

This bill extends the sunset date for the Children's Health
Insurance Program from July 1, 2002, to July 1, 2007.

The bill contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$12,204,017 in FY 2003, $12,753,198 in FY 2004, and $13,327,092
in FY 2005.  Estimated Net Cost to Federal Reimbursement
Allowance and Intergovernmental Transfers of $8,673,500 in FY
2003, $9,063,808 in FY 2004, and $9,471,679 in FY 2005.
Estimated Net Cost to Health Initiatives Fund of $4,598,000 in FY
2003, $4,804,910 in FY 2004, and $5,021,131 in FY 2005.
Estimated Net Cost to Pharmacy Rebates Fund of $789,580 in FY
2003, $825,111 in FY 2004, and $862,241 in FY 2005.  Estimated
Net Cost to Premium Fund of $1,045,000 in FY 2003, $1,092,025 in
FY 2004, and $1,141,166 in FY 2005.  Estimated Net Cost to
Intergovernmental Transfer Fund of $1,405,257 in FY 2003,
$1,468,494 in FY 2004, and $1,534,576 in FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will ensure continual
health insurance coverage for over 76,000 children in Missouri.
Since the establishment of the Children's Health Insurance
Program in 1998, the number of uninsured children in Missouri has
decreased dramatically.  This insurance program provides working
parents who are not offered health insurance benefits and
children with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions a
valuable option of obtaining health insurance coverage.  Re-
authorizing this program will lead to the continuation of
positive long-term outcomes for children which include decreased
school absences, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer emergency room
visits.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Barry; Dana K.
Martin, Director, Department of Social Services; Denise Cross,
Director, Division of Family Services; Scott Lakin, Director,
Department of Insurance; Margaret Ahart; Citizens for Missouri's
Children; Missouri Hospital Association; Catholic Charities;
Missouri Advocates for Work, Welfare and Families;  Missouri
Catholic Conference; Salvation Army; Lutheran Family and Children
Services of Missouri; March of Dimes; Metropolitan Congregations
United for St. Louis; BJC Health Care Systems; Missouri
Association for Social Welfare; and Tolton Catholic Community
Services.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Copyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives

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Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:03 am