Healthcare (People with Disabilities)

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.

This bill requires pharmacies to inform customers about free accessible prescription labels upon request and provide them to people who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled. Pharmacies must offer labels in formats like audio, large print, or Braille that are timely, compatible with prescription readers, and contain all required label information including warnings. The labels must meet industry standards and last for the duration of the prescription. This directly affects pharmacies and people with visual disabilities by ensuring equitable access to prescription information.

HB 2971 requires Missouri's MO HealthNet division to create a public dashboard for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (or their caregivers) to track application, review, and waiver status. It mandates a filterable provider directory for durable medical equipment, plain-language communications about waitlists, and quarterly guidance for case management entities. The bill also establishes a reporting system for incorrect waitlist information, with escalating penalties for repeated errors by service providers. These changes directly affect people seeking disability services through MO HealthNet and their families.