MO HB2179

Repeals and reenacts section 376.986, RSMo, regarding the state health insurance pool's coverage offerings and premium rates.

Pool must offer major medical expense coverage, prescription drug coverage, and patient education services to eligible individuals, with benefits, exclusions, and limitations approved by the director.

Establishes premium rate limits: initial rates cannot be less than 125% of standard risk rates, and subsequent rates cannot exceed 150% of standard risk rates for most individuals (with different limits for federally defined and trade act eligible individuals).

Creates a premium assistance program for individuals whose income does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level, with assistance provided on a sliding income scale and available to employed individuals if employer or employee contributes their share of premium.

Premium assistance program policies must include wellness benefits with no preexisting condition exclusions, and cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles and copayments are to be established by the pool.