Governor Matt Blunt's Healthcare Reform Proposal for the Uninsured - Missouri

The following summary was derived from information released by the office of Governor Matt Blunt:

On June 1, 2007, Governor Matt Blunt signed legislation to expand health coverage for Missourians. The provisions in House Bill 818 are the following:

• Expand opportunities for Missourians who are defined as, "high risk", allowing them to more easily purchase health care coverage
• Provide a tax deduction for all Missourians for health insurance premiums included in their federally adjusted gross income
• Extend opportunities for coverage for young Missourians entering the workforce by expanding dependent coverage to the age of 26
• Self employed taxpayers may qualify for a tax credit Provide a tax-free option for employees to pay insurance premiums through cafeteria plans
• Allow employers to make a defined contribution towards the purchase of health insurance

Source: Press Release 6/1/07