MO HB986

Prohibits state agencies from fining health care providers for not participating in health information organizations and bans connection fees between health information organizations for clinical data exchange.

Establishes the "Hand-Up Program" allowing low-income child care subsidy recipients to continue benefits while earning above the income threshold by paying a premium of 44% of excess income, with implementation in at least one rural and one urban location by January 1, 2013.

Creates the "Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program" enabling employed disabled individuals earning income to maintain MO HealthNet medical assistance with income limits up to 250-300% of federal poverty level and sliding-scale premiums of 4-6%.

Establishes a "Joint Committee on Medicaid Transformation" to study fraud prevention, cost-effective coverage methods, and transitioning MO HealthNet participants to private sector health insurance, effective through January 1, 2014.

Mandates health carriers cannot deny coverage for telehealth services if the same service would be covered in-person, with identical cost-sharing, deductibles, and reimbursement rates, effective January 1, 2014; appropriates $55.1 million for senior and disability services.