HB 822 Summary

• Creates the Missouri Universal Health Assurance Program, a single publicly financed statewide program to provide comprehensive health, mental health, and dental care services to all Missouri residents regardless of preexisting conditions.

• Establishes a 23-member Board of Governors to administer the program, including appointed members representing health professions, consumers, disabled persons, and low-income individuals, plus six regional representatives and three ex officio state directors.

• Creates a Missouri Health Care Trust Fund financed by a progressive health assurance tax on individual Missouri taxable income exceeding $5,000 (ranging from 1-5% depending on income level) and federal Medicare and Medicaid waivers.

• Covers comprehensive health services including preventive care, prescription medications, medical equipment, and mental health services, excluding cosmetic surgery and custodial nursing home care.

• Reimburses institutional providers using global budgets and independent providers using federal Medicare rates as guidelines, with providers prohibited from charging patients more than negotiated rates.