August 4, 2011

MFH Issues Missouri Medical Home Collaborative Request For Application
In July, the Missouri Foundation for Health issued a request for applications from primary care practice sites wanting to serve as a Medical Home for their patients. At this time, the participating payers are Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare. Responses are due Aug. 26 with awards announced Sept. 30. The Missouri Foundation for Health will be funding a learning collaborative that provides technical assistance to primary care practices receiving awards.

MO HealthNet is concurrently moving forward with Primary Health Care Home Initiative for Medicaid participants with chronic conditions.

Senate Interim Committee On Health Insurance Exchanges Schedules Hearing
The Missouri Senate Interim Committee on Health Insurance Exchanges was established to explore Missouri’s options on the formation of a health insurance exchange and to study the effect of an exchange on existing state law. The committee has scheduled its first hearing on Aug. 16.

A bill that would have established a statewide insurance exchange in Missouri, HB 609, passed the House unanimously last session, but was not brought up for a vote by the Senate.

State Submits Level 1 Exchange Establishment Grant Request for Health Insurance Exchange
In September 2010, Missouri was awarded a $1 million State Planning and Establishment Grant for Health Benefit Exchanges. It is anticipated that the funds from the initial planning phase will be expended by August. To continue the process of establishing a state health insurance exchange, the Missouri Health Insurance Pool, on behalf of the state of Missouri, submitted an application for a Level 1 Exchange Establishment Grant. Complete application materials are available on the MHIP website. The grant would provide an additional 12 months of funding.

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