Missouri Senate Endorses Subsidized Health Coverage Legislation for Low-Income Working Residents

The Missouri Senate on Wednesday endorsed legislation that would expand health coverage to up to 200,000 low-income state residents, the AP/Kansas City Star reports. The Insure Missouri bill would expand health coverage to workers with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, and beneficiaries would have to contribute $1,000 annually into their savings accounts for use toward deductibles. The state would subsidize insurance premiums. The legislation, which was proposed by Republican House leaders, was based on a failed proposal of the same name by Gov. Matt Blunt (R). The Senate will hold a second vote on the legislation before it moves to the state House (AP/Kansas City Star, 4/23).