Missouri bill would cut required insurance coverage.

2004 MAR 4 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Insurers in Missouri would no longer be required to cover some services that currently must be provided by minimal health insurance plans, such as mammograms and hospital stays after giving birth, under legislation being considered by a House committee.

Supporters of the bill say it was designed to keep people covered with at least a "bare bones" health insurance policy as insurance premiums escalate. Critics say the measure is "anti-family" and reverses 14 years of work requiring basic health insurance coverage to pay for cancer screenings and other services.

If it becomes law, the legislation would give employers in Missouri the chance to offer the cheaper coverage in place of existing health insurance plans, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported February 4, 2004. Currently, the low-budget plans may be marketed only to those who have no health insurance or may soon be losing it.

The House Financial Services Committee heard, but did not vote, February 3 on the bill offered by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth. A similar measure cleared a Senate committee and awaits action by the full Senate.

The legislation eliminates benefits that must be included in low-budget "limited mandate insurance policies," which apply to individuals, families, and groups ...