SCS SB 1026 -- HEALTH INSURANCE

SPONSOR:  Kenney (Barry)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 13 to 0.

This substitute allows a physician to refer a patient who has
been newly diagnosed with cancer to an appropriate specialist for
a second opinion concerning the patient's treatment.  The
referral must be to an appropriate specialist within the
provider's network.

Insurance companies offering various policies are required to
provide coverage for the second opinion.  A referral must be
given to an out-of-network specialist if a specialist is not
available within the provider's network.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Income to Insurance Dedicated Fund of
$9,850 in FY 2003, $0 in FY 2004, and $0 in FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is important for newly
diagnosed cancer patients to receive the correct information and
the most current treatments available to prohibit the growth and
the spread of cancer and to increase their chance for survival.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Kenney; American Cancer
Society; Missouri Association of Health Plans; Blue Cross/Blue
Shield of Missouri; United Healthcare; Coventry Healthcare of
Kansas City; and Group Health Plans of St. Louis.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:04 am