Governor Mike Parson (R) has announced a special session will begin at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 23, in the state capitol to focus on extending the Federal Reimbursement Allowances (FRA) and related allowances, taxes, and assessments necessary for funding MO HealthNet. The FRA extension passage is necessary as the state fiscal budget year begins on July 1, 2021.
“After laying out the grim reality of our state’s financial future if FRA is not extended, I believe legislators have now agreed to a compromise that will end this stalemate,” Governor Parson said. “We appreciate the continued efforts of House and Senate leadership to work with us towards a solution, and we are thankful that we are now in a position that warrants a call to special session.”
The special session will focus on extending certain allowances, taxes, and assessments that fund the MO HealthNet program. Specifically, Governor Parson’s special session call is to:
- Extend the expiration of the ground ambulance service reimbursement allowance
- Extend the expiration of the nursing facility reimbursement allowance
- Extend the expiration of the Medicaid managed care organization reimbursement allowance
- Extend the expiration of the FRA program
- Extend the expiration of the pharmacy tax
- Extend the expiration of the intermediate care facility for the intellectually disabled assessment
- Prohibit abortifacient drugs and devices
- Prohibit funding for abortion facilities under the Uninsured Women’s Health Program
- Allow the Senate to consider appointments that require the advice and consent of the Senate.
The FRA provides funding to various health care providers across the state, including hospitals, pharmacies, mental health facilities, nursing facilities, emergency medical service providers, and others.
The Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget includes estimated revenue from the FRA program and other allowances, taxes, and assessments to fund primary components of the MO HealthNet program. Failure to extend these programs would cost the state of Missouri an estimated $591 million in FY22 and $788 million in FY23. Payments from the MO HealthNet program would also be reduced by $1.52 billion in FY22 and $2 billion in FY23 if these programs are not extended.
GOVERNOR SIGNS SEVERAL BILLS INTO LAW ON TUESDAY, JUNE 22
On Tuesday, June 22 in a public ceremony, Governor Mike Parson signed four bills into law. These bills include:
SB 6 – Relating to Insurance (sponsored by Sen. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial)
Contains several provisions regarding insurance, including making association health plans more accessible, clarifying protections and responsibilities of insurers and consumers in group policies, and ensuring continued National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) accreditation and best practice standards in Missouri related to reinsurance. The bill also defines at “motor club” in statute and modifies the state petroleum storage tank fund.
For more information on SB 6, click here.
SB 176 – Emerging Technologies (sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield)
Creates statutory definitions and operational frameworks for food delivery platforms (FDP) and personal delivery devices (PDDs) in Missouri. The bill also contains new regulations for electric bicycles and would allow for motor vehicle dealers to increase fees on new car buyers to cover the cost of upgrades to the state’s vehicle licensing system.
For more information on SB 176, click here.
HB 476 – Professional Licensure (sponsored by Rep. Derek Grier (R-Chesterfield)
Allows members of the military or veterans to use their military experience or training towards a relevant occupational license. This legislation also enacts the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and modifies other provisions related to professional licensure. The bill also contains provisions relating to certification and education requirements for pesticide dealers, modifications to the architect and engineering practice act, and clarification to advertising and co-mingling of funds for real estate professionals.
For more information on HB 476, click here.
HB 273 – Professional Licensure (sponsored by Rep. Tom Hannegan (R-St. Charles)
Adopts several of the same provisions relating to professional licensure as HB 476, updates the Uniform Athlete Agents Act, and clarifies that the sole act of shampooing does not require state licensure. The bill also allows pharmacists to dispense HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications.
For more information on HB 273, click here.
