JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Bill 464, sponsored by Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, received final approval from the Senate today (2-2), sending it over to the Missouri House of Representatives for consideration.  His legislation would prohibit the establishment and operation of health insurance exchanges in Missouri, unless certain criteria are met, such as approval by Missouri voters.

Health insurance exchanges are state-regulated, standardized health care plans that allow individuals to purchase health insurance.  These exchanges are scheduled for launch by states across the nation in 2014.

Senate Bill 464 would prohibit the establishment, creation or operation of a state-based health insurance exchange unless the exchange is created by a legislative act, an initiative petition or referendum.  More specifically, the act prohibits the establishment of an exchange by an executive order issued by the governor.

In addition, the legislation prohibits state agencies from performing responsibilities of a state-based health insurance exchange, or establishing programs or creating any rules or policies that would establish, create, administer or operate an exchange, unless the agency has received statutory authority to do so. 

This act, if approved by the General Assembly, would be submitted to Missouri voters for their approval in November 2012.