SS/SCS/SB 885 - This act modifies provisions relating to the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan. The word "instrumentality" is removed from the definition of "participating member agency".

Section 103.008 increases membership of the board of trustees from eleven to thirteen and specifies appointment procedures for General Assembly members.

Section 103.081 requires the board to submit a plan to the General Assembly for state employees in counties without HMO coverage to receive medical benefits that are substantially identical to HMO benefits by September 1, 2000. The cost for coverage may not exceed the state's average HMO cost.

Section 103.085 currently requires medical benefits to end when a member's employment terminates, with certain exceptions. New language states that for those excepted, health care benefits must have been continuous either under a separate policy for at least six months or since the effective date of the most recent open enrollment prior to the member's termination.

Section 103.136, RSMo, currently prohibits a member agency from participating in the plan for two years after its termination date, unless approved by the Board. The provision for Board approval is deleted, thus preventing member agencies from participating for two years without exception.

With regard to health care provider contracts, Section 1 recommends that the board implement a plan period based on a fiscal year beginning October 1 of each year rather than the current calendar year used by the board.

Portions of this act are substantially similar to HB 1593 (2000).
ERIN MOTLEY