MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
JEFFERSON CITY - The sponsor of legislation to give consumers more rights in dealing with managed health care plans voiced concern about the chances for his measure after it encountered what he called a slow down in the Senate Tuesday.
After passing out of the Missouri House a month ago, the Senate began debate on the proposal in the morning and debated the issue throughout the rest of the day -- except for a lunch break.
But extended debate prevented the Senate from reaching a vote or even debating major provisions in the bill draft in response to a wide range of consumer complaints voiced to a special House-Senate committee last year.
Senate Sponsor Joe Maxwell, D-Mexico, said the barrage of amendments is "definitely a slow down." Senate Republican Leader Franc Flotron, R-St. Louis County, offered a seven-part omnibus amendment, and several other amendments are lined up for debate today.
In addition to opposition from the managed care industry, business organizations complain the bill would drive up the cost of health care coverage businesses provide for the workers.
Maxwell, however, said he is still optimistic about the bill passing the Senate before the session ends May 16. But, he said he is concerned given the quantity and direction of Tuesday's amendments.
"If that is the way this floor debate turns, there is no doubt it would be difficult to get a bill," he said after the Senate adjourned.
Maxwell said, if the bill emerges from the Senate without too many changes, he thinks it has a good chance of making it through a House and Senate conference committee and going to the governor to be signed into law.
Gov. Mel Carnahan has pledged his support to the bill.
The Senate will resume debate today.