JEFFERSON CITY — Today (1-10), State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, filed a bill in the Senate that would offer some assistance to citizens not currently eligible for MO HealthNet services.

“There are people in this state who simply don’t have access to affordable medical care due to their age or income,” said Sen. Nasheed. “I am seeking to make certain medical services available to those folks utilizing specific guidelines provided by MO HealthNet.”

Senate Bill 131 would extend MO HealthNet benefits to people over the age of 19 and under the age of 65 if their income falls at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level plus 5 percent variation for applicable family size, if they qualify for service under the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Under this bill, the expansion program will sunset every year for a three-year period.

“By structuring SB 131 to sunset every year, it will allow the Legislature to revisit its effectiveness and necessity on a regular basis,” said Sen. Nasheed. “According to the Affordable Care Act, federal funds will subsidize 100 percent of this expansion for three years, 2014-2016. Utilizing this will allow approximately 300,000 uninsured Missourians to receive medical assistance, assistance that would normally affect others through higher insurance deductibles and premiums.”

Senator Nasheed continued, “This bill would have an even further reaching effect in the Show-Me State. In a report from the Missouri Hospital Association and Missouri Foundation for Health, and prepared by the University of Missouri, our state has the potential for the creation of approximately 24,000 jobs, putting more Missourians to work.”

To view SB 131 or any other legislation sponsored by Sen. Nasheed, please visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/nasheed.