MHIP reported 1,032 insureds in the pool during 1997. In addition, INS states it is reasonable to assume that the MHIP population could grow to 10,000 or more insureds based on Minnesota's experience which has a similar program. Typically, pool membership consists of individuals with medical conditions and very high costs of care. This fiscal impact, representing increased assessments to insurers and the resulting increase in premium tax credits, will be split evenly between General Revenue and the County Foreign Insurance fund. According to the Department of Social Services , the state reimburses hospitals in such instances a portion of the unpaid costs, with the hospitals incurring the remainder of the costs.
Funds paid by the state to hospitals are federal funds.
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses is expected as a result of this proposal. This proposal would make several changes to health insurance law. The commission would be charged with studying the costs and benefits of each health insurance benefit or offer mandated by Missouri law. A small employer employs 2 to 50 employees under the proposal's revised provisions. Small employer plans would be allowed to apply preexisting condition exclusions during the first 12 months of coverage but would be required to waive the exclusions for the period of time that an individual has coverage continuous to a date not less than 63 days prior to obtaining the new coverage.