HB 129 -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR POST-MASTECTOMY PROCEDURES

This bill requires insurers and similar entities which cover
prosthetic devices and mastectomies to cover reconstructive
surgery necessary to achieve symmetry after a mastectomy as
recommended by the oncologist or primary care physician.  The
bill does not apply to supplemental insurance policies.

HB 129 -- INSURANCE COVERAGE POST MASTECTOMY (Shear)

The bill requires insurers and similar entities to cover
prosthetic devices and reconstructive surgery necessary to
achieve symmetry, if the insured has had a mastectomy that was
covered by the insurer.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Income to Insurance Dedicated Fund
of $14,250 to $28,500 for FY 1998, $0 for FY 1999 and FY 2000.

HB 129 -- POST-MASTECTOMY COVERAGE

SPONSOR:  Shear

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Public
Health & Safety by a vote of 15 to 0.

The bill requires insurers and similar entities to cover
prosthetic devices and reconstructive surgery necessary to
achieve symmetry, if the insured has had a mastectomy that was
covered by the insurer.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Increase to Insurance Dedicated Fund
of $14,250 to $28,500 for FY 1998 and $0 for FY 1999 and $0 for
FY 2000.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that mastectomy is a physically and
psychologically devastating procedure for a woman.  Mastectomy
is only half of the procedure. Healing is not restored until
symmetry is restored. There are a wide variety of responses to
restore symmetry. This bill could be expanded to include other
limbs.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Shear; American
Cancer Society; Missouri State Medical Association; American
Association of Retired Persons; and American Association of
Osteopaths & Surgeons.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Harolyn Light, Research Analyst

HB 129 -- Insurance Coverage for Post-Mastectomy Procedures

Sponsor:  Shear

The bill requires insurers and similar entities to cover
prosthetic devices and reconstructive surgery necessary to
achieve symmetry, if the insured has had a mastectomy that was
covered by the insurer.