The Missouri House gave approval Tuesday to a measure [HB1764] that will appear on the August ballot stating that people and employers cannot be compelled to have health insurance nor be penalized for paying for health care out of their own pocketbooks.
The issue would reverse the federal health care law signed earlier this year. It requires most Americans to have health insurance or face fines beginning in 2014. But the legal impact of the state measure is questionable, because courts generally have held that federal laws trump those in states.
Laws have already have been enacted in Arizona, Idaho and Virginia, and proposed state constitutional amendments are to appear on the November ballot in Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma.
Missouri's vote will occur the same day as its primary elections and will be the first such state referendum since passage of the federal health care law in March.
Senators passed the measure 26-8 last week. The House passed it 108-47 Tuesday, with Democrats joining majority party Republicans in support of it. Because the legislature pushed the measure to the ballot, it will bypass the desk of Gov. Jay Nixon.
HB1311, the Autism Bill, passed out of conference and will become law after the Governor’s signature is added. The act sets forth a yearly $40,000 coverage limit for autism spectrum disorders. Coverage under the act is limited to treatment that is ordered by the insured's treating licensed physician or licensed psychologist, in accordance with a treatment plan. This bill was in the making for the last three years and it is time to cover these children and the disorder that affects so many.
In the District
I have mailed most of the district directories to constituents, but will be hand delivering approximately 3000. I did deliver 500 last week end. If you are concerned about not receiving one, please call and I will deliver one promptly.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment