HB 3497, the "Death with Dignity Act," allows terminally ill adults (with a disease expected to cause death within six months) to legally request medication to end their lives. It requires two physicians to confirm the diagnosis and patient competence, mandates counseling to assess decision-making, and requires a written request witnessed by two non-relatives who aren't beneficiaries or facility staff. Patients must be fully informed about their diagnosis, prognosis, risks, and alternatives like hospice care before proceeding. The bill includes a 15-day waiting period and requires the patient to self-administer the medication, emphasizing informed, voluntary decisions without coercion.
HB 3382 reestablishes a state health assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities who meet specific income and asset criteria, directly affecting working people with disabilities who previously lost Medicaid coverage due to earnings. The bill allows medical assistance for those earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL), with premiums based on income brackets (4-6% of income), while excluding certain assets like medical savings accounts and retirement funds from eligibility calculations. Key provisions include requiring proof of Medicare/Social Security tax withholding for earned income, prioritizing employer-sponsored insurance when cost-effective, and mandating annual reports to the legislature on program participation. The program expires on August 28, 2032, and aligns with federal Ticket to Work Act requirements.
HB 3412 requires long-term care facilities to maintain either $1 million in liability insurance or a segregated reserve fund to cover abuse, neglect, or wrongful death claims against residents. It specifies violations that could trigger license revocation, including failing inspections, felony convictions related to facility operations, or failing to maintain required insurance/reserve funds. The bill mandates that the state department post facility survey results, deficiency findings, and abuse/neglect substantiations on a public website with a visible icon for 36 months, along with complaint investigation timelines (30 days) and accessible results for the public. These provisions directly affect licensed long-term care facilities and their residents in the state.
HB 3204 creates a 70% state tax credit for Missouri taxpayers who contribute $50 or more to certified prevention resource centers, which are entities within the Missouri Department of Mental Health's prevention network. Taxpayers can claim a maximum annual credit of $50,000 per year, with the total statewide credits capped at $2.5 million annually. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to five years, and the program expires six years after enactment unless renewed by the legislature.
HB 3418 requires health insurance plans to notify patients at least 30 days in advance if they will remove a specific prescription drug from their coverage list (except for generic substitutions). It specifically protects patients who have been taking the same medication for over one year by preventing insurers from forcing them to switch drugs to maintain coverage. The bill applies directly to health plans and pharmacy benefit managers, ensuring patients receive clear communication about coverage changes affecting their current medications. This aims to reduce unexpected disruptions in treatment for individuals on long-term prescriptions.
HB 3484 updates laws governing the unauthorized practice of medicine by clarifying the definition of "surgery" to include specific procedures like tissue alterations and certain injections (excluding standard nurse-administered injections). It allows out-of-state physicians to consult with patients via telemedicine when working under a licensed local physician who retains final responsibility for care. The bill also permits licensed out-of-state doctors to provide sports-related medical services to athletes and team staff during travel or events without a local license, but prohibits such services at hospitals or clinics. This directly affects healthcare providers, telemedicine services, and sports teams traveling to the state. The bill is in early stages (introduced February 2026) and does not alter standard medical practice requirements within the state.
HJR 188 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Missouri's MO HealthNet eligibility. It would make individuals aged 19-65 with income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level automatically eligible for coverage, aligning with federal Medicaid standards. The amendment removes specific restrictions (subsections 5-6) that previously limited eligibility criteria for this group. If approved by voters, Missouri would need to update its state plan with federal authorities to implement this change. The bill requires voter approval before taking effect, as it amends the state constitution.
HB 3323 reestablishes a state-funded program providing prostate cancer screening, treatment, and education for uninsured or economically challenged men in Missouri. It creates two designated programs - one in an urban area and one in a rural area - to serve men aged 35+ at high risk (with physician advice) or 50+ who qualify based on income (up to 150% of federal poverty level) or lack of insurance. The program will fund screenings, referrals, treatment, mental health support, and outreach through grants to local health departments and community health centers. After three years, the state must report on participation, demographics, and cost savings from early detection, with the program set to expire six years after implementation unless renewed.
HB 3360 changes how Missouri's MO HealthNet program pays nursing homes for Medicaid-covered services. It requires the state to seek a federal waiver to shift payments from volume-based (e.g., number of therapy sessions) to patient-driven payments based on residents' clinical needs. The bill also adds per diem payments tied to facility quality performance metrics and incentives for nursing assistant training and pay, while eliminating a prior payment adjustment for facilities with high rates of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder diagnoses among residents. These changes directly affect nursing homes participating in Missouri's Medicaid program for long-term care.
SB 1691 streamlines licensure for healthcare professionals in Missouri who hold valid licenses in other states or jurisdictions, allowing them to practice telehealth services without retaking exams or meeting additional experience requirements. It directly affects healthcare workers licensed elsewhere (including military or law enforcement spouses moving to Missouri) who have held a valid license for at least one year in their previous jurisdiction. Key provisions require Missouri licensing boards to waive exams and experience requirements for eligible applicants within six months (or 30 days for military/law enforcement spouses), while maintaining standards like background checks and fees. The bill does not apply to business licenses, interstate compacts, or cases where an applicant’s license is under disciplinary action.
