SJR 107 would repeal Article I, Section 36 of the state constitution, which established the "Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative." This constitutional provision currently protects certain reproductive healthcare rights. The bill directly affects the state's constitutional framework by removing this specific provision. As a procedural measure, it does not create new policy but changes the existing constitutional text. (2 sentences)
HB 1975 revises Missouri's laws governing pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to protect patient choice and ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies. The bill prohibits PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing non-network pharmacies (e.g., via higher co-pays) or requiring pharmacies to meet extra certification standards beyond state licensing rules. It also mandates that PBMs reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for prescription drugs. These changes directly affect patients, pharmacies, and PBMs by ensuring transparent pricing and preserving patient freedom to select their pharmacy.
HB 1894 prohibits health insurance plans and issuers from discriminating against healthcare providers based on their license type when determining participation or reimbursement. It requires equal reimbursement rates for the same service within a provider's scope of practice, while allowing varying rates based on quality measures. The bill applies to group health plans and individual insurance coverage but excludes physicians licensed under Chapter 334 of Missouri law. The Department of Commerce and Insurance will enforce these provisions, implementing federal nondiscrimination protections from Section 2706 of the Public Health Service Act.
HB 1965 updates Missouri law to clarify how health insurers pay athletic trainers. It requires insurers to pay athletic trainers directly for services when a patient receives out-of-network care authorized by their health plan, rather than paying the patient first. This applies to athletic trainers (defined as licensed providers under Chapter 334) who are not part of an insurer’s network but have prior authorization for care. The bill also establishes new credentialing rules for athletic trainers seeking to join health insurance networks. These changes directly affect athletic trainers, insurers, and patients seeking out-of-network care.
HB 2188, the "Marilyn Teitelbaum Death with Dignity Act," would allow terminally ill adult residents of the state to request medication to end their lives under strict conditions. It requires a qualified patient (18+ with a medically confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months) to receive certification from two physicians, undergo counseling, and provide a written request witnessed by non-conflicted individuals. Key provisions mandate that physicians must ensure patients make an informed decision after discussing their diagnosis, prognosis, risks, medication effects, and alternatives like hospice care. The bill also requires patients to demonstrate competency, avoid coercion, and notify next of kin before obtaining the prescription. This legislation has been prefaced and read for first and second time in the House as of early 2026.
HB 2279 requires Missouri health benefit plans to include costs for non-generic medications in an enrollee's out-of-pocket maximum. This means if a generic drug isn't available for a prescribed medication, the full cost paid by the enrollee (or on their behalf) counts toward their annual limit on out-of-pocket expenses. The bill also prohibits plans from adjusting cost-sharing requirements based on whether a patient qualifies for drug cost assistance programs. It applies to most health plans (excluding certain union plans) starting August 28, 2026, and affects all Missouri residents enrolled in health insurance plans covering prescription drugs.
HB 1976 updates Missouri law to allow pharmacists to order and administer most vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, excluding specific vaccines like cholera, monkeypox, and those jointly excluded by state boards after January 1, 2023. It directly affects pharmacists and patients aged seven or older (or the age recommended by the CDC for a vaccine), expanding pharmacists' role in vaccine administration. Key provisions require joint rulemaking by the pharmacy board and the healing arts board to define covered vaccines, while maintaining existing restrictions on certain diseases and emergency protocols. The bill removes prior limitations on pharmacist vaccine authority, making it a concrete policy change to increase vaccine access through pharmacies.
HB 2594 would allow consumers to purchase hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin tablets over-the-counter without a prescription or consultation with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. The bill directly affects residents seeking these specific medications by removing current prescription requirements. Key provisions include amending state law to permit direct public access to both drugs and declaring the law an emergency act to take immediate effect upon passage. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having been prefilled and read for the first time in 2026.
SB 1271 creates and modifies rules for providing lactation accommodations in public and charter schools. It directly affects school staff who are nursing parents, ensuring they have access to appropriate facilities and time during the school day. The bill establishes specific requirements for schools to provide private, non-bathroom spaces and flexible scheduling for nursing needs. However, the provided context does not include specific details about the exact accommodations, timeline, or enforcement mechanisms. As a new bill (prefiled January 2026), no concrete policy changes have been enacted yet.
HJR 106 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Missouri's current cannabis-related constitutional sections with 18 new sections. It would establish a medical cannabis program by defining terms like "qualifying patient" (18+ with a medical need) and "medical identification card," allowing patients to obtain marijuana with a card issued after certification by a healthcare provider. The amendment distinguishes between "hemp" (with ≤0.3% THC) and "marijuana," excluding hemp products from the definition. This amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.
