HB 1480 Summary

• Establishes the "Universal Health Insurance Program" within the Department of Health and Senior Services, making all Missouri residents eligible for comprehensive health coverage with no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.

• Coverage includes primary care, inpatient/outpatient care, emergency services, prescription drugs, mental health services, dental care, vision care, long-term care, and substance abuse treatment through any licensed provider in the state.

• Requires investor-owned health care providers to convert to nonprofit status, with owners compensated for actual appraised value of converted facilities over a 15-year period through bond sales.

• Establishes regional offices and a 15-member State Board of Universal Quality and Access to oversee program administration, quality standards, budgeting, and provider reimbursement through global budgets and fee schedules.

• Funding sources include reduced administrative paperwork, bulk medication procurement, existing state health care revenues, increased income taxes on top 5% earners, a modest payroll tax, and a tax on stock and bond transactions.

• Includes referendum clause requiring voter approval on November 2, 2010 election for implementation.