- Introduced -

SB 1219 - This act creates the Missouri Tobacco Settlement for Healthy Missourians Trust Fund into which deposits from the Master Settlement Agreement would be made. Moneys in the fund would be distributed as follows:

2% for the Health Access Incentive Fund

2% for allocation between federally qualified health centers

14% for life sciences research & grants (1/3 with value under $1 million and 2/3 over $1 million)

13% for prevention of tobacco-related diseases

1/2% to encourage conversion of hospitals to critical access hospitals

3% for rural health

7% for research and development regarding tobacco-related diseases at the University of Missouri-Columbia

35% for to general revenue to offset the small business health insurance tax credits created in the act.

1/5% to educate citizens on the use of Medical Savings Accounts

17.5% to raise Medicaid provider rates, however, for the first year 14% shall be used for the state health lab.

5.5% for healthcare facilities and providers treating uninsured or underinsured individuals

The established percentages may be modified by concurrent resolution approved by 2/3 of the general assembly and the modification may not be extended for longer than 2 years in any one resolution. The Commission of Administration shall account for the proceeds of the tobacco claim payments. Moneys appropriated in the fund shall be in addition to and not in place of the appropriations as of July 1, 2003.

Tobacco proceeds shall not be considered "total state revenues".

The health insurance credits created are available to qualified small businesses. Qualified small businesses are defined as businesses employing no more than 50 people. Qualified small businesses which provide health insurance for their employees and contribute at least 20% of the cost, would be allowed tax credits of up to $100 for each full-time employee. The credits are capped at the 35% of moneys in the Missouri Tobacco Settlement for Healthy Missourians Fund. If more persons apply for credits that there are available credits the Department of Insurance is authorized to create an allocation process for the credits.

The act contains a referendum clause.

CINDY KADLEC