SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 762
89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR WIGGINS.
Read 1st time January 19, 1998, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
S3265.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 376, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to insurance coverage for dental care for children and persons with disabilities.
Section A. Chapter 376, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 376.1225, to read as follows:
376.1225. 1. Every health benefit plan as that is defined in section 376.1350, RSMo, and all self-insured group health benefit plans of any type or description whether providing for coverage for specific individuals and members of their families or to groups of individuals and/or their families and all plans offered by an "insurer" as defined in section 376.821, RSMo, shall provide coverage for anesthesia and hospital charges for dental care provided to the following covered persons:
(1) A child under the age of five;
(2) A person who is severely disabled; or
(3) A person who has a medical or behavioral condition which requires hospitalization or general anesthesia when dental care is provided.
2. Each plan as described in this section must provide coverage for general anesthesia and hospital charges for treatment rendered by a dentist, regardless of whether the services are provided in a hospital, surgical center or the office of a licensed dentist.
3. Nothing in this section shall prevent a health carrier from requiring prior authorization for hospitalization for dental care procedures in the same manner that prior authorization is required for hospitalization for other covered diseases or conditions.