Healthcare (Medicaid)

HB 2137 modifies Missouri's rules for dental hygienists, primarily requiring them to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist in most settings. The bill creates two key exceptions: (1) hygienists can provide basic services like oral screenings and fluoride varnish in any location without a dentist's supervision, and (2) experienced hygienists (with 3+ years in public health) can perform cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments for Medicaid-eligible children without supervision, with Medicaid reimbursing providers. This directly affects dental hygienists, dentists, public health facilities, and Medicaid-eligible children. The changes aim to expand access to preventive dental care in community settings while maintaining oversight for more complex procedures.

HB 2538 modifies Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) appeal procedures to give beneficiaries clearer rights when their benefits are denied, reduced, or terminated. It requires state divisions to notify recipients of appeal options within 10 days of proposed changes or 90 days for denials/closed cases, and ensures benefits continue during appeals unless the recipient requests otherwise. The bill mandates fair hearings where recipients can present evidence, and decisions must be based on facts existing at the time of the original benefit denial or change. This directly affects Missouri Medicaid recipients and state administrative divisions handling benefit determinations.

HB 2355 would authorize Missouri's Department of Social Services to seek a federal waiver from Medicare and Medicaid to create a "Food is Medicine" program within MO HealthNet. This program would provide nutrition services - including counseling, meals, prescriptions, and grocery support - to MO HealthNet participants diagnosed with nutrition-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. The bill requires prioritizing community organizations and local farms for food purchases in nutrition prescriptions. It directly affects low-income Missourians enrolled in MO HealthNet who manage chronic health conditions linked to diet. The bill is currently in the Health and Mental Health committee for review.

HB 2582 requires applicants for Missouri's MO HealthNet program to verify they are not enrolled in another state's Medicaid program or a qualified health plan under the Affordable Care Act. It directly affects individuals seeking MO HealthNet benefits who currently have coverage elsewhere, including those relocating from other states. The bill mandates applicants provide a certificate of non-enrollment from their previous state program if applicable, and requires them to terminate that enrollment before MO HealthNet approval can be granted. This change adds a verification step to the application process without altering existing eligibility criteria for MO HealthNet.