Senator Kurtis Gregory

21st Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Feb. 7, 2025

Capitol Building, Room 433

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact T.C. Farrar: 

 573-751-4302

Creating a Path for Health Benefit Plans

Hello! It’s good to speak with you again.

I want to take some time this week to discuss my Senate Bill 79. This bill establishes that certain health care benefits provided by an organization will not be considered insurance as far as state law is concerned. It has already been heard in the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee and, if approved by that committee, will move to the Senate Floor in the coming weeks. 

The Affordable Care Act Marketplace for health insurance does not fit everyone’s needs, specifically many farmers and small business owners with variable income who struggle to find affordable health care through that system. This bill would simply allow organizations, such as Missouri Farm Bureau, to offer an alternative to these individuals and families who might otherwise go uninsured or be disqualified from certain health plans because of variable income that rises and falls from year to year.

Ultimately, this bill is about providing affordable and high-quality health coverage to a wider amount of people. It won’t inhibit anyone’s ability to get insurance, nor will it force someone into a plan they don’t want. It simply allows for another avenue to gain health coverage.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-4302. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/KurtisGregory.

Senator Gregory stands with Future Farmers of America student Gentrie Davis