FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 845

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES BOYKINS (Sponsor), WALTON,

HAYWOOD AND WRIGHT-JONES (Co-sponsor).

         Read 1^st time March 29, 2005 and copies ordered printed.

STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk

2138L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 376, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to chronic kidney disease.

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 376.1630, to read as follows:

            376.1630. 1. All health benefit plans, as defined in section 376.1350, that are delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed on or after August 28, 2005, and that provide coverage to any resident of this state shall provide coverage for diagnostic testing and healthcare services for chronic kidney patients which have been certified by the patient's physician as having clinical benefit, including:

            (1) Managing risk factors which prolong kidney function or delay progression to kidney replacement therapy;

            (2) Managing risk factors for bone disease and cardiovascular disease associated with chronic kidney disease;

            (3) Improving nutritional status of the patients; and

            (4) Correcting anemia associated with the disease.

            2. As used in this section, individuals diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, or who have a family history of kidney disease, and receive a diagnosis of kidney disease shall be considered chronic kidney patients.