SB 1350 requires health insurance plans in Missouri to cover non-opioid medications for acute pain without restrictions, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects enrollees (insurance policyholders) prescribed non-opioid drugs for pain expected to last 30 days or less. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage for these medications, forcing patients to try opioids first, or charging higher out-of-pocket costs for non-opioid drugs compared to opioids. This applies to all health benefit plans issued or renewed after the effective date, aiming to expand access to non-opioid pain treatment options.
SB 897 limits when health insurance companies can require prior authorization for medical services. It mandates that insurers must approve at least 90% of prior authorization requests from a provider for a specific service in the previous six-month period before requiring authorization. The bill also requires insurers to notify providers within 25 days of such determinations, establish appeal processes, and maintain an online portal for tracking authorization decisions. This primarily affects health insurance companies and healthcare providers in Missouri who participate in commercial health plans (excluding Medicaid managed care).
SB 1433 would create a sales tax exemption for qualifying diabetic supplies, such as insulin and testing strips, directly affecting people with diabetes who purchase these essential medical products. The bill would remove state sales tax from these supplies, lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients. This policy change applies specifically to medical items used in managing diabetes, as defined by the bill's provisions. The measure is currently in early stages, having been prefilled and receiving its first reading.
HB 2194 allows students with asthma or anaphylaxis to self-administer prescribed epinephrine devices in school after meeting specific requirements. Schools must authorize this only if a physician approves a treatment plan, the student demonstrates proper skill, and parents sign a liability waiver acknowledging no school liability for non-negligent self-administration. The bill also permits trained school staff to use epinephrine devices during emergencies without civil liability, following established protocols. It requires schools to maintain emergency medication access and report all epinephrine use to emergency health providers. The law directly affects students with chronic conditions, schools, and school staff managing health emergencies.
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 1879 requires Missouri health insurance plans to cover genetic counseling and genetic testing for cancer risk starting January 1, 2027. It applies to individuals assessed as high-risk for harmful gene mutations based on personal or family cancer history. The law mandates that coverage includes all associated costs with no deductibles, copays, or other cost-sharing, and prohibits insurers from using genetic test results to deny coverage, adjust premiums, or limit benefits. This policy directly affects Missourians seeking cancer risk assessment and their health insurers.
HB 2516, the "Family Mental Health Advocacy and Patient Rights Act," updates confidentiality rules for mental health facilities and expands access to patient records under specific circumstances. It directly affects mental health facilities, patients (both voluntary and involuntary), and authorized parties like parents, guardians, legal advocates, and specialized agencies. Key provisions require facilities to keep records confidential but allow disclosure to parents of minors, legal guardians, attorneys for certain cases, and agencies protecting rights for people with developmental disabilities or mental illness - only when necessary for care, safety, or legal compliance. The bill also establishes new patient rights, including dignity, clear treatment explanations, participation in care decisions, and rapid appeals for involuntary detention. These changes aim to balance privacy with necessary access for safety and advocacy while maintaining strict confidentiality requirements.
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 1636 modifies rules for collaborative practice between physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It allows APRNs to prescribe certain controlled substances (including Schedule III-V drugs and hydrocodone) under written agreements, with a 120-hour supply limit for most prescriptions. The law requires clear patient disclosure about seeing an APRN, specifies physician review of APRN care, and adds flexibility for rural areas and telehealth regarding geographic proximity requirements between physicians and APRNs. This directly affects APRNs, their patients, and collaborating physicians by expanding prescribing authority while maintaining oversight safeguards.
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.
