SB 961
Provides for the expansion of MO HealthNet services beginning January 1, 2017
LR Number:
5983S.01I
Last Action:
1/28/2016 - Second Read and Referred S Veterans' Affairs and Health Committee
Journal Page:
Title:
Calendar Position:
Effective Date:
August 28, 2016

Current Bill Summary

SB 961 - Beginning January 1, 2017, this act extends benefits under the MO HealthNet program to persons aged 19 or older, but younger than 65, who are not otherwise eligible for MO HealthNet services, who qualify for MO HealthNet services under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, and who have income at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level plus 5 percent of the applicable family size.

This act also provides that the reimbursement rate to MO HealthNet providers for MO HealthNet services provided to individuals qualifying under the provisions of this act shall be comparable to commercial reimbursement payment levels with trend adjustment for comparable services. The higher commercial comparable rates shall only apply for services provided to individuals qualifying under this act.

The Department of Social Services shall discontinue eligibility for the newly eligible group if the federal medical assistance percentage is less than ninety percent as specified for 2020 and each year thereafter or an amount determined by the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee to be necessary to maintain state budget solvency, whichever is lower, as well as a vote by the General Assembly to discontinue eligibility. The Department of Social Services must inform eligible individuals that their benefits may be reduced or eliminated if federal funding decreases or is eliminated.

The MO HealthNet Oversight Committee shall conduct research and investigate any potential health-related savings and revenues associated with expanding eligibility to persons under this act and determine the feasibility of different options described in the act.

This act is identical to SB 648 (2016), HB 2201 (2016), and HB 2248 (2016), and substantially similar to SB 90 (2015) and SB 125 (2015).

SARAH HASKINS

Amendments