"We can pool kids together and get a quote from private insurers on a low-cost group health insurance policy," said Rep. Scott Lakin, D-Kansas City and sponsor of the bill.
Sponsor Scott Lakin, D-Kansas City, said the program would target children aged 18 and under whose parents make too much money to qualify for Medicaid coverage but who cannot afford the full cost of health insurance. Parents would pay on a sliding fee scale based on their income. Lakin said an estimated 115,000 children could qualify.
"If we increase costs even just a little bit, that means small business drops health coverage," said Rep. Scott Lakin, D-Kansas City. "Right now, we have an increased uninsured rate in Missouri."
Reps. Ron Auer and Scott Lakin, who voted against the House bill, both agreed their insurance perspective helped them bring an educated opinion to the House floor.
"It's not a panacea as far as solving all our health care ills in the state," said Rep. Scott Lakin, D-Kansas City, a sponsor of one of the implementation bills. "But, it's a step in the right direction to close the gap."
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