MO HB608

MO HealthNet division shall establish an EBT payment system pilot project beginning July 1, 2014, subject to federal waivers, allowing recipients to use prepaid EBT cards to pay for health services from providers of their choice.

Pilot project shall operate in 3-6 geographic areas covering at least 10% of MO HealthNet recipients in years 1-2, expanding to up to 10 areas with at least 20% of recipients by year 3.

Recipients must receive minimum annual health services including examinations, preventive screenings, dental care, and eye care; any remaining EBT card balance at year-end may be retained by recipients up to 25% if minimum services are received, with excess amounts reverting to the state.

Providers participating in the pilot shall be reimbursed at 100% of Medicare reimbursement rates; providers must swipe recipient EBT cards for every visit and the division shall track all provider visits and services received.

Pilot project automatically converts to statewide implementation for all MO HealthNet recipients on July 1, 2017, unless repealed by the legislature; division shall report quarterly and annually to the governor and general assembly on participation, costs, and feasibility.