HCS HB 1938 -- HEALTH INSURANCE

SPONSOR:  Barry

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 12 to 2.

This substitute requires health care entities to provide coverage
for a second medical opinion by an appropriate specialist for
patients with a newly diagnosed cancer.  Effective January 1,
2003, this coverage must be provided even if the appropriate
specialist is not in the provider's network.

The coverage required by the substitute does not apply to certain
health insurance policies.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that there are various types of
cancer and it is important that patients are properly diagnosed.
Some patients were not referred for a second medical opinion
which resulted in mis-diagnosis and the receipt of inappropriate
medical treatment.  Providing patients the option to obtain a
second medical opinion which is covered by health insurance
increases the occurrence of receiving a correct diagnosis and
medical treatment by an appropriately trained and licensed
physician.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Barry; William
Turner, M.D.; American Cancer Society; Siteman Cancer Center;
Missouri State Medical Association; and Missouri Association of
Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:03 am