HB 2123 -- Missouri Universal Health Insurance Act

Sponsor:  Hughes

This bill establishes the Missouri Universal Health Insurance Act
to be administered by the Department of Health and Senior
Services to provide comprehensive and necessary health care
services for Missouri residents.  No deductibles, copayments,
coinsurance, or other cost sharing features will be imposed.

Only public or non-profit 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 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 revenues 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 director, Governor and
General Assembly on the program to ensure, quality, access, and
affordability.

The bill becomes effective January 1, 2008.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:45 am