Healthcare

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2283: Allows certain medications in multidose containers used by a patient during a hospital stay to be sent with the patient at discharge

HB 2283 allows patients to take certain medications in multidose containers home with them at hospital discharge, if ordered by a healthcare provider. This directly affects patients leaving hospitals and healthcare providers who must follow specific labeling rules. The bill requires medications like inhalers, creams, insulin pens, and eye drops to be labeled with the patient's name, medication details, and usage instructions by a pharmacist or nurse. It specifically prohibits sending controlled substances home, except for connected wearable delivery systems during transport under documented conditions. The law does not impose new licensing requirements on hospital pharmacies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables patients to take prescribed medications home post-discharge with safety labeling, improving access and continuity of care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Hospitals

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1658: Requires insurance coverage of orthotic devices

HB 1658 requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover orthotic and prosthetic devices (like braces, supports, or artificial limbs) prescribed by a doctor. It mandates that coverage must match the benefit levels, copayments, and deductibles applied to basic health care services, with no separate annual or lifetime limits unless the plan has none for basic care. This applies to standard health plans but excludes supplemental policies like Medicare supplements, short-term plans, or accident-only coverage. The bill directly affects patients needing these devices and insurers offering health coverage in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for orthotics/prosthetics, expanding access to essential medical devices under healthcare plans per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2293: Creates provisions relating to over-the-counter medications

HB 2293 would allow hydroxychloroquine tablets to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription or pharmacist consultation in this state. The bill specifically targets hydroxychloroquine availability, removing current prescription requirements for this medication. It declares the provision an emergency act to take immediate effect upon passage, though it does not address ivermectin's OTC status as stated. This bill directly affects residents seeking hydroxychloroquine for personal use without healthcare provider involvement. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read twice in the House).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prescription requirement for hydroxychloroquine, increasing direct patient access to medication - aligns with expanding healthcare access indicator.85% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2597: Creates provisions relating to payments to ambulance providers

HB 2597 sets minimum payment rates for out-of-network ambulance providers treating patients covered by health insurance plans. It requires insurance companies to pay these providers either the local government rate for ambulance services in that area or 325% of the Medicare rate for the same service (whichever is lower), but not more than the ambulance provider's billed charge. The bill mandates that payments be made directly to the ambulance provider within 30 days for complete claims, prohibits billing patients for additional amounts after payment, and limits patient cost-sharing to the same level as in-network services. This directly affects ambulance services (excluding air ambulances) and health insurance companies operating in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSets minimum payment rates for ambulance providers to prevent underpayment by insurers, improving access to emergency medical services and protecting patient access to care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Medicare

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in committee · Missouri · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 2149: Establishes a dementia services coordinator as a full-time position within the department of health and senior services

HB 2149 creates a full-time dementia services coordinator position within Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services. The coordinator will directly support Missourians living with dementia and their caregivers by improving how state services are coordinated, reducing duplication, and connecting people to resources. Key duties include analyzing dementia-related data, building partnerships with agencies, supporting staff training, identifying grant opportunities, and promoting public awareness. The bill aims to streamline care across residential, home-based, and community settings while collecting data on dementia impacts statewide. This is substantive policy, not procedural, so a 4-sentence summary is appropriate.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates dedicated dementia services coordinator to improve healthcare coordination, reduce duplication, and connect patients/caregivers to resources within health department.95% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1975: Modifies provisions relating to pharmacy benefits managers

HB 1975 revises Missouri's laws governing pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to protect patient choice and ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies. The bill prohibits PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing non-network pharmacies (e.g., via higher co-pays) or requiring pharmacies to meet extra certification standards beyond state licensing rules. It also mandates that PBMs reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for prescription drugs. These changes directly affect patients, pharmacies, and PBMs by ensuring transparent pricing and preserving patient freedom to select their pharmacy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient choice in pharmacy selection and mandates fair reimbursement rates, improving access and provider compensation in healthcare system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Missouri · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1894: Creates provisions relating to health care provider participation in health insurance plans

HB 1894 prohibits health insurance plans and issuers from discriminating against healthcare providers based on their license type when determining participation or reimbursement. It requires equal reimbursement rates for the same service within a provider's scope of practice, while allowing varying rates based on quality measures. The bill applies to group health plans and individual insurance coverage but excludes physicians licensed under Chapter 334 of Missouri law. The Department of Commerce and Insurance will enforce these provisions, implementing federal nondiscrimination protections from Section 2706 of the Public Health Service Act.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits insurance discrimination against providers by license type, mandates equal reimbursement for same services within scope, improving provider access and patient choice in healthcare coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Insurance Medical Licensing

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in committee · Missouri · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 1965: Modifies provisions relating to athletic trainers

HB 1965 updates Missouri law to clarify how health insurers pay athletic trainers. It requires insurers to pay athletic trainers directly for services when a patient receives out-of-network care authorized by their health plan, rather than paying the patient first. This applies to athletic trainers (defined as licensed providers under Chapter 334) who are not part of an insurer’s network but have prior authorization for care. The bill also establishes new credentialing rules for athletic trainers seeking to join health insurance networks. These changes directly affect athletic trainers, insurers, and patients seeking out-of-network care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurers to pay athletic trainers directly for authorized out-of-network care, improving patient access to covered services without upfront costs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medical Licensing

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2188: Establishes the "Marilyn Teitelbaum Death with Dignity Act"

HB 2188, the "Marilyn Teitelbaum Death with Dignity Act," would allow terminally ill adult residents of the state to request medication to end their lives under strict conditions. It requires a qualified patient (18+ with a medically confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months) to receive certification from two physicians, undergo counseling, and provide a written request witnessed by non-conflicted individuals. Key provisions mandate that physicians must ensure patients make an informed decision after discussing their diagnosis, prognosis, risks, medication effects, and alternatives like hospice care. The bill also requires patients to demonstrate competency, avoid coercion, and notify next of kin before obtaining the prescription. This legislation has been prefaced and read for first and second time in the House as of early 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes patient access to physician-assisted dying under medical supervision, protecting patient rights and expanding healthcare options for terminally ill individuals.85% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 2279: Creates provisions relating to cost-sharing under health benefit plans

HB 2279 requires Missouri health benefit plans to include costs for non-generic medications in an enrollee's out-of-pocket maximum. This means if a generic drug isn't available for a prescribed medication, the full cost paid by the enrollee (or on their behalf) counts toward their annual limit on out-of-pocket expenses. The bill also prohibits plans from adjusting cost-sharing requirements based on whether a patient qualifies for drug cost assistance programs. It applies to most health plans (excluding certain union plans) starting August 28, 2026, and affects all Missouri residents enrolled in health insurance plans covering prescription drugs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires health plans to count non-generic drug costs toward out-of-pocket max, protecting patients from unexpected expenses when generics unavailable and preventing cost-sharing discrimination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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