Beneficial Insurance Bill Sponsored by
State Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls
Moves to Governor

JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Senate today (5-17) gave its final approval to legislation sponsored by Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City, relating to several important health care provisions.  Senate Bill 262 was initially filed as a measure that would prohibit larger deductibles, copayments or coinsurance amounts for services using telemedicine compared to the same health care service provided through face-to-face diagnosis, consultation or treatment.

“Telemedicine uses modern-day information technology to provide certain health care services to various citizens, especially those who are not able to easily leave their homes or do not have close access to medical facilities,”  said Sen. Curls.  “My legislation is a great way for Missourians to gain access to health care across our state.  It reduces the need for travel from rural areas of Missouri and saves taxpayer dollars by having to pay for medical travels, such as instances when citizens who are on Medicare are transported from nursing homes to medical treatment centers.  This is incredibly important as we look for ways to provide improved access to health care around the state in rural and urban communities.”

Additional provisions added to Senate Bill 262 during the legislative session would require individuals to establish a physician-patient relationship before they can receive a prescription for medication or treatment through the Internet; allow health maintenance organizations to charge deductibles and coinsurance for basic health care services; and give those who use prescription eye drops the ability to renew their prescription before they run out of medication, among other health insurance provisions.

The telemedicine portion of Senate Bill 262 would take effect Jan. 1, 2014, once signed by the governor.  Other provisions found in the bill contain an emergency clause, meaning they would go into effect upon the governor’s signature.  To read more about this measure or other bills sponsored by Sen. Curls, visit www.senate.mo.gov/curls.