Modifies provisions relating to health care

HB 398 modifies Missouri health care laws to improve STI management, prenatal screening, and contraceptive coverage. It allows health care providers to prescribe treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea partners without an in-person visit (expedited partner therapy), mandates blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis B/C, and HIV during prenatal care, and requires health insurance plans to cover annual self-administered hormonal contraceptives with no higher cost-sharing than other services. The bill directly affects health care providers, pregnant patients, and health insurers by changing treatment protocols, adding testing requirements, and expanding contraceptive coverage. It also ensures free STI testing regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.