FIRST REGULAR SESSION
95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES HODGES (Sponsor), MEADOWS, YAEGER, KRATKY, CORCORAN AND SCHIEFFER (Co-sponsors).
0144L.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 376, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to health insurance coverage for Down Syndrome.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 376, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 376.1221, to read as follows:
376.1221. 1. Each health carrier or health benefit plan that offers or issues health benefit plans which are delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2010, shall continue to provide health benefit coverage for any child or dependent of an enrollee with Down Syndrome after the age of eighteen.
2. For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall mean:
(1) "Down Syndrome", a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21;
(2) "Health benefit plan", the same meaning as defined in section 376.1350;
(3) "Health carrier", the same meaning as defined in section 376.1350.
3. The coverage required by this section shall not be subject to any greater deductible or co-payment than other similar health care services provided by the health benefit plan.
4. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a supplemental insurance policy, including a life care contract, accident-only policy, specified disease policy, hospital policy providing a fixed daily benefit only, Medicare supplement policy, long-term care policy, short-term major medical policies of six months' or less duration, or any other supplemental policy as determined by the director of the department of insurance, financial institutions and professional registration.
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