HB 596 -- HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS

SPONSOR:  Schaaf

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Insurance Policy by a vote of 15 to 0.

This bill allows employers to provide or contract for health
insurance at reduced rates for employees who do not use tobacco
products.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Income on General Revenue Fund of Unknown
in FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.  Estimated Income on Other
State Funds of Unknown in FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will help to lower
health care premiums for people who don't use tobacco and gives
employees an incentive to stop using tobacco products.  Smokers
who are in a wellness program to help them quit smoking will also
get the benefits of cheaper insurance.  Health care services, on
average, cost 25% more for smokers than for people who do not
smoke.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Schaaf; City of St.
Joseph; Coventry Health Care; Community Health Plan; American
Cancer Society; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri; United Health
Care; and Missouri Hospital Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Marc Webb, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:20 pm