HCS HB 95 -- PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

SPONSOR:  Wilson, 130 (Sater)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Health Insurance by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute changes the laws regarding Missouri Medicaid
Program payments and establishes a health insurance premium
assistance program.

MISSOURI MEDICAID PROGRAM

All entities are required to process and pay all properly
submitted Missouri Medicaid Program subrogation claims for a
period of two years from the date the service was provided.  The
Division of Medical Services within the Department of Social
Services can request all third-party payers to provide
information contained in a 270/271 Health Care Eligibility
Benefit Inquiry and Response standard transaction mandated under
the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA).

HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Family Support Division within the department must apply for
waivers from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services for
the purpose of increasing access to health care in Missouri,
reforming the Missouri Medicaid Program, and enabling small
employers and employed uninsured adults to purchase flexible
health care benefit packages through a state premium assistance
payment plan.  Any funding received will be deposited into the
Health Employee and Economy Improvement Revolving Fund.

The provisions of the substitute regarding the health insurance
premium assistance program will expire six years from the
effective date.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Income on General Revenue Fund of Unknown
but Greater than $195,651 in FY 2008, Unknown but Greater than
$234,875 in FY 2009, and Unknown but Greater than $234,875 in
FY 2010.  No impact on Other State Funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is similar to
legislation that was passed in Oklahoma and has been successful.
The bill does not imply a universal health care concept and only
addresses the intent to start a program to assist those currently
unable to purchase health insurance, a means to acquire health
insurance, and ultimately lower the number of uninsured
Missourians.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Sater; and Missouri
Hospital Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am