Committee Hears Bill to Improve Child Health Outcomes

This week, the House Health and Mental Health Policy Committee held a hearing on HB 2379. Sponsored by Rep. Steve Helms (R-Springfield), the bill would allow Missouri to provide children up to 19 years of age with 12 months of continuous eligibility for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Because Medicaid coverage in Missouri is based on monthly income, modest fluctuations in family income can result in kids losing eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP temporarily. These fluctuations in family income result in children cycling on and off Medicaid coverage throughout the year.

Numerous witnesses, including the MCC, testified to the value of adopting continuous eligibility for children, including better care for chronic conditions and fewer missed days of school. Twenty-four states have enacted 12-month continuous eligibility for Medicaid and 26 states use it for their CHIP population. The committee had questions about the high fiscal note attached to the bill and took no action on the bill.