HB 350 -- HEALTH INSURANCE

CO-SPONSORS:  Riback Wilson (25), Deeken, Holand

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Health
Care Policy by a vote of 11 to 2.

Currently, individual and group health insurance policies issued
or renewed in Missouri are required to provide coverage for
inpatient and outpatient treatment of alcoholism.

This bill changes the requirement to coverage for chemical
dependency, which is defined as psychological or physiological
dependence upon and abuse of drugs, including alcohol.

The bill applies to all group health insurance policies issued or
renewed after December 31, 2003.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that alcoholism is one form of
substance abuse.  The bill will require insurance companies to
provide coverage for the condition of chemical dependency which
includes treatment for alcoholism.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Riback Wilson (25);
and Missouri State-wide Parent Advisory Network.

OPPONENTS:  Opponents say that mandating insurance coverage for
chemical dependency will result in higher insurance premiums for
enrollees.

Testifying against the bill was Blue Cross/Blue Shield of
Missouri.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:11 am