HCS HB 1101 -- HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS

SPONSOR:  Yates (Schaaf)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Insurance Policy by a vote of 14 to 0.

Currently, an employer may provide or contract for health
insurance at a reduced premium rate for employees who do not
smoke or use tobacco products.  This substitute allows the
employer to also provide or contract for health insurance at a
reduced deductible level for employees who do not smoke or use
tobacco products.  Insurers or small-employer carriers offering
these policies will not be in violation of any unfair trade
practice.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Income on General Revenue Fund of Unknown
in FY 2007, FY 2008, and FY 2009.  Estimated Income on Other
State Funds of Unknown in FY 2007, FY 2008, and FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the purpose of the bill is to
encourage people not to use tobacco.  Insurers and companies will
now be able to offer reduced-premium rates and lower deductibles
to employees who do not use tobacco products.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Schaaf; and Missouri
Hospital Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Marc Webb, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:42 am