Despite a busy week on the floor of the Missouri Senate, I was excited to see one of my proposals referred to the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee. According to Senate Bill 910, if a provision of federal law relating to the availability or pricing of coverage provided by private health insurance is overturned, that provision will remain in effect in Missouri until the Missouri General Assembly takes additional action. This bill is meant to help protect those with pre-existing conditions from losing coverage suddenly and without a way to regain coverage. I believe this legislation is extremely important because we need to ensure certainty and stability in the availability and coverage of health insurance in our state.
If you have been watching the news lately, I’m sure you have seen reports on the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Your state legislators and leaders are working hard to understand more about the virus. The Joint Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Awareness will meet next week to discuss Missouri’s preparation for COVID-19. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also released information addressing common questions about COVID-19. These tips are also helpful to avoid getting influenza. It is important to remember to wash your hands with warm water and soap, avoid touching your face before washing your hands and avoid contact with people who are sick. It has also been reported that there are surgical mask shortages across the country. Unless you are sick, please do not purchase masks so that our health care professionals have access to them.
As many of you know, the 17th annual True/False Film Festival began on Thursday, March 5 in downtown Columbia. This festival showcases documentaries from across the country, and also hosts art shows and concerts. I would encourage you to visit the festival this weekend, especially if you have never been before. This is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy all the activities the festival has to offer. Events like the True/False Film Festival are one of the many reasons I am proud to live in our community and call it home.
I am here to serve you, and my office door is always open to your questions, concerns and suggestions. You can reach my staff at 573-751-3931, and you can visit www.senate.mo.gov/rowden for an array of legislative and constituent resources.