Healthcare

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2726: Creates provisions relating to insurance coverage of drugs

HB 2726 requires Missouri health insurance plans (effective January 1, 2027) to cover a prescribed drug without forcing patients to switch to an alternative drug, unless a patient's doctor provides written approval stating the switch is medically necessary. This directly affects patients prescribed specific medications and health insurers offering plans in Missouri. The bill prevents insurers from mandating drug substitutions solely for cost reasons, ensuring coverage for the doctor-recommended drug. Exceptions include existing step therapy protocols and interchangeable biological products, as specified in related laws.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents insurers from mandating drug substitutions for cost reasons, ensuring coverage for doctor-recommended drugs and protecting patient access to prescribed medications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2882: Authorizes a tax credit for charitable contributions to certain organizations providing mental health services to veterans

HB 2882 creates a state tax credit allowing Missouri taxpayers to reduce their income tax liability by 70% of donations (up to $50,000 annually) to nonprofit organizations providing mental health services to veterans. The credit applies to contributions made to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations meeting specific criteria, including offering comprehensive mental health care through licensed professionals. Taxpayers can carry forward unused credits to the next tax year but cannot claim credits for donations under $100. The program expires after six years unless reauthorized by the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing income tax liability for donations to veteran mental health nonprofits, providing tax relief to incentivize public service funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides tax incentives to fund mental health services for veterans via charitable donations, directly advancing mental health care access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates 70% tax credit for donations to nonprofits providing veteran mental health services, directly funding and expanding access to veteran healthcare programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Mental Health Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2959: Creates provisions relating to the participation of complainant patients or their representatives in the discipline proceedings for certain health care professionals

HB 2959 allows complainant patients or their representatives to access certain confidential information during disciplinary hearings for health care professionals. This bill amends confidentiality rules to specifically permit disclosure of relevant information to these parties when they attend a hearing, as outlined in section 334.109. Previously, such details were protected from disclosure, but the change ensures patients who file complaints can receive necessary information about the proceedings. The policy affects only those directly involved in disciplinary cases and does not alter other confidentiality protections for licensing records.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows patients access to confidential info in disciplinary hearings, protecting patient rights in healthcare professional oversight95% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3030: Modifies provisions for providing copies of medical records

HB 3030 requires healthcare providers in this state to give patients (or their authorized representatives) copies of their health records upon written request, within a reasonable time after receiving the request. Providers may charge specific, capped fees for search, copying, and delivery - up to $24.85 for search/retrieval plus $0.57 per page, with electronic options available for $108.88 total or less. The bill also prohibits fees for records needed to apply for disability, veterans, or other federal benefits (as listed in Section 9) and sets annual fee adjustments based on medical inflation. It clarifies access rules for deceased patients' records and ensures providers aren’t liable for disclosures made in good faith under these provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires providers to give patients medical records with capped fees, improving access and protecting patient rights per bill's explicit language on record access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits fees for veterans' medical records when applying for benefits, easing access to VA services per bill's explicit fee exemption clause.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 1569: Creates new provisions relating to insurance coverage for treatment of certain menopause-related conditions

SB 1569 requires health insurance plans to cover treatment for certain menopause-related conditions, directly affecting insured individuals experiencing these health issues. The bill establishes new insurance coverage mandates, ensuring that specific treatments are included in standard coverage without additional out-of-pocket costs for patients. This policy change applies to all health insurance providers offering coverage within the state, aiming to improve access to medically necessary menopause care. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for menopause treatments without out-of-pocket costs, expanding access to necessary care per bill's coverage requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Women's Health

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2835: Allows offenders to access supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits

HB 2835 allows individuals convicted of drug-related felonies to access food assistance benefits (SNAP) if they meet specific conditions. To qualify, they must be in or completing approved substance abuse treatment, comply with court and probation requirements, avoid new drug offenses for one year, and pass voluntary sobriety tests. The bill directly affects people with past drug felony convictions who are actively working toward recovery through state-approved programs. It creates an exemption from a federal SNAP ineligibility rule for these individuals, using a state option permitted under federal law. The policy change applies only to those meeting all four criteria, not to individuals with additional drug convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill links SNAP access to substance abuse treatment compliance, directly supporting rehabilitation programs and reducing recidivism barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals in recovery.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires substance abuse treatment for SNAP eligibility, directly linking nutrition benefits to healthcare participation and supporting recovery services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2824: Creates provisions relating to emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault

HB 2824 requires licensed hospitals to offer FDA-approved emergency contraception to women reporting sexual assault within the previous five days. The bill defines emergency contraception as drugs that prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. This policy directly affects sexual assault victims seeking hospital care and the hospitals providing emergency services. It mandates that hospitals proactively provide this medical option as part of standard care for eligible patients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates hospitals to provide emergency contraception access for sexual assault victims, improving patient care and expanding healthcare services under hospital protocols.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Women's Health

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passed · Missouri · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 2642: Creates provisions relating to insurance coverage of alternatives to opioid drugs

HB 2642 requires health insurance plans to cover nonopioid medications for acute pain without barriers, directly affecting people with health insurance (enrollees) and the plans themselves. The law prohibits plans from denying coverage for nonopioid drugs in favor of opioids, forcing patients to try opioids first, or charging higher costs for nonopioid options compared to opioids. It applies only to acute pain (expected to last 30 days or less) and takes effect for plans renewed or issued after January 1, 2027. The bill does not change provider prescribing practices but mandates equal treatment for nonopioid alternatives under insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for nonopioid acute pain meds, removes barriers to alternatives, expands patient access to safer options without opioid preference.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs Substance Abuse

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2779: Establishes provisions relating to jail reimbursement by the department of mental health

HB 2779 changes who reimburses counties for housing inmates with mental health issues. It shifts responsibility from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for cases where a person lacks mental fitness to stand trial (per Section 552.020). Counties will now receive $150 per day (up from $40) for each day an inmate remains in custody due to mental fitness concerns, subject to DMH approval. The bill requires sheriffs to certify days spent in custody and submit claims within two years for DMH to process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts reimbursement responsibility to DMH for mental health inmates, increasing funding ($150/day) to address mental fitness cases, promoting reform by prioritizing mental health treatment over incarceration in criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareShifts mental health inmate reimbursement to DMH with increased funding ($150→$40/day), strengthening mental health service funding and oversight per bill's focus on mental fitness cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2772: Establishes the "Youth Workforce Development Program"

HB 2772 establishes the "Youth Workforce Development Program" to provide job training, certifications, and life skills to at-risk youth aged 12-21 in counties with over 1 million residents or cities outside counties. The program, administered by the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, offers vocational training, high school diplomas, internships with local businesses, and mental health support - specifically requiring juvenile detention facilities to provide these services to youth held there. A dedicated state fund finances the program, covering costs like transportation, childcare, mental health services, and internship stipends, with annual reports tracking participant employment rates and recidivism. The program targets youth involved in juvenile justice, those with school suspensions, homelessness, or other risk factors, aiming to improve workforce readiness and reduce future system involvement.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides vocational training, diplomas, and mental health support for at-risk youth through education department, expanding access to educational opportunities and workforce development programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health support in juvenile detention facilities as part of workforce program, directly advancing mental health services within healthcare framework.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides job training, certifications, and internships for at-risk youth to enhance workforce readiness and employment opportunities, directly advancing labor & employment standards.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Early Childhood K-12 Education Mental Health Child Labor Workforce Development

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