The bill has been heard in the House Committee on Insurance and Financial Services. Missouri First-term Democratic Governor Bob Holden took it on the chin when the Missouri House of Representatives rejected his plan to use tobacco settlement money to cover a state budget crunch and shortfall in the prescription drug program. The House passed a measure designed to make managed care companies pay claims within 45 days. In opposition, Catherine Edwards, spokeswoman for the Missouri Association of Health Plans, says surveys indicate her group members already pay 95 percent of claims within 45 days. Among other reasons, the bill slips also mandates unlimited, direct access to OB-GYNs.
Current law allows one visit per year without a referral.
The proposal did not pass. Sen. Mike Foley introduced a legislative mandate that would require insurance companies to cover certain reproductive health procedures. And, medical insurance claims may not be denied on the basis of fertility or infertility. The plan would include coverage for hospitalization expenses, diagnostic testing, wellness benefits, mental health and substance abuse benefits, and physicians' services. On a slightly more positive note, S.B. 18 passed the Senate Health Committee.