FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 636

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES TILLEY (Sponsor) AND YATES (Co-sponsor).

         Read 1^st time February 24, 2005 and copies ordered printed.

STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk

1770L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 376, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to provider networks for health carriers.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

            Section A. Chapter 376, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 376.416, to read as follows:

            376.416. No health carrier, as defined in section 376.1350, shall discriminate against any optometrist or ophthalmologist who is located within the geographic coverage area of a health benefit plan, as defined in section 376.1350, and who is willing to meet the terms and conditions for participation established by the health carrier, including the Missouri state Medicaid program and Medicare partnerships.