MO HB1576

Allows specialized foster parents licensed under Missouri law to purchase state health insurance through the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan at the actuarially determined premium rate for state employees.

Eligible foster parents must provide temporary foster care for children with documented behavioral or psychological diagnoses requiring highly structured settings, and care must not be in anticipation of adoption or for related children.

Foster parents must not have access to other health insurance coverage through their own employer or a spouse's employer in order to qualify.

Requires the Department of Social Services to provide documentation of initial and ongoing eligibility to the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan prior to purchase of insurance.

Foster parents purchase coverage at their own expense for themselves and their dependents under the same terms as state employee health insurance.