Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, said he wants the settlement to go to health issues including better access to health care, tobacco related treatment, and prevention of tobacco use in teens.
Two legislative leaders in HMO regulation say they applaud Missouri's largest HMO for giving the power to choose what treatments it will cover back to doctors. Representative Tim Harlan and Senator Joe Maxwell say it's a step in the right direction in HMO regulation.
Two legislative leaders in HMO regulation say they applaud Missouri's largest HMO for giving the power to choose what treatments it will cover back to doctors. Representative Tim Harlan and Senator Joe Maxwell say it's a step in the right direction in HMO regulation.
Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, said it was too early for him to make any decisions about where the money should go, but thinks the system planning ahead is wise.
Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, who serves on the Missouri Tobacco Settlement Committee, said he believes tobacco companies have always been aware of a possible federal lawsuit.
"If lawyers can't agree with lawyers, and physicians can't agree with physicians, then we have poor language," said Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbial, referring to the variety of interpretations each side offered. "Let's use the right language, lets outlaw the procedure, let's know what we are doing."
Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, added the language of his health-care bill onto a Senate mental-health bill as an amendment Tuesday. An unfriendly reception by Sen. John Scott, D-St. Louis City, had all but assured the failure of Harlan's original bill.
"It's going to allow Alzheimer's patients to stay in residential care facilities longer," said Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia. Harlan said current safety rules often force Alzheimer's patients into skilled nursing facilities too early. Harlan sponsored the bill which appeared dead just a few weeks ago.
The smoking ban was kept on a 88-58 vote, but divided Columbia's lawmakers - Vicky Riback-Wilson and Tim Harlan favored the ban, while Graham supported its removal.
However, the amendment failed by a margin of 77-74. Local Rep.'s Chuck Graham, Tim Harlan and Vicky Riback-Wilson, unanimously voted to defeat the amendment and leave legislative pension increases within the bill.
Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, whose health care bill was also to be heard Tuesday, realizes that as time goes on certain bills will not be able to be heard.
"Public transportation is an appropriate issue for the state to be involved in," said Columbia Rep. Tim Harlan. "Rural legislators don't think it's their problem. It's tough to sell them on it."
JEFFERSON CITY - The prognosis may be grim for health insurance reform this year. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, is designed to make it easier for small-business - and the self-employed - to get and keep health insurance.
JEFFERSON CITY - More options in nursing home care - and specialized care for Alzheimer's patients - may be on the way. A bill sponsored by Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, changing the way Missouri regulates nursing homes has gotten initial approval in House.
JEFFERSON CITY - The centerpiece of Columbia Rep. Tim Harlan's legislative agenda passed the House Thursday - without opposition. Harlan's bill changes Missouri's health insurance industry - and provides major tax credits.
"It's just a natural follow-up to what we did last session," said Rep. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia. Graham voted in favor of the legislation, while Columbia Reps. Vicky Riback-Wilson and Tim Harlan, both Democrats, were opposed.
State Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, has proposed legislation that would expand Missouri's high-risk pool - and bring premiums down from 200 to 135 percent of standard rates.
Columbia's three representatives voted for the bill. "We've found that all of the groups opposed to collective bargaining have been spreading misinformation," said Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia.
Columbia's lawmakers are divided on the death penalty. Rep. Vicky Riback-Wilson has co-sponsored both bills, and Rep. Tim Harlan says he's supports them. But Rep. Chuck Graham says he supports the death penalty - and says he has doubts about the bill to exclude retarded people from capital punishment.
JEFFERSON CITY - Some lawmakers are saying Missouri's moratorium blocking many nursing homes from adding new beds is causing tragedy for the elderly. Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, said loosening the reins of regulation will lead to better care.
JEFFERSON CITY - Last minute controversy has set back legislative efforts to expand health insurance options for small business - central campaign for Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia.
But Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, has a different perspective. "There are people who say they're opposed to any mandate," he says, "but in 1997 we mandated that insurance companies cover reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. No one says they're opposed to that. So I think we have to judge each mandate on its own merits."
Another member of the area's state delegation, Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, said he has been too busy to watch the proceedings during the week. Harlan said that leaves the weekend for him to read newspapers and watch "Meet the Press."
"I agree with [the escrow fund] approach," stated Tim Harlan, D-Columbia. Much like other democrats, Harlan also supports the use of tobacco money for health care issues.
The committee is chaired by Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, who sponsored legislation last year to let small businesses join a the health-care plan that covers state workers.
The committee is chaired by Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, who sponsored legislation last year to let small businesses join a the health-care plan that covers state workers.
Rep. Tim Harlan, D-Columbia, expressed hope for bipartisanship in a modification of his small-business health insurance plan that failed in the last session. "We've been working with insurance companies, and are surprised at how responsive they've been," Harlan said.
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