Missouri - Governor Matt Blunt's Healthcare Reform Proposal
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
