State of Missouri Archives: on Health Care
Eric Schmitt:
Son on autism spectrum; took on insurance companies to cover
Their son, Stephen was born with a rare genetic condition causing tumors on his organs. He also has epilepsy, is on the autism spectrum, and is non-verbal. Eric's son was his inspiration to run for office to be a voice for individuals like him and
their families. One of Eric's early legislative victories was taking on insurance companies by leading a bipartisan effort to ensure Missouri families are covered when they need it the most - including therapies for autism.
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website SchmittForSenate.com
May 2, 2021
Mike Parson:
Against Medicaid expansion as massive tax increase
Q: Supported 2020 ballot measure to expand Medicaid, an option available as part of ACA, known as Obamacare?Mike Parson: No. Called Medicaid expansion a "massive tax increase that Missourians cannot afford." "I don't think it's the time to
be expanding anything in the state of Missouri right now."
Nicole Galloway: Yes. Backed Medicaid expansion "to give over 200,000 Missourians the health care they deserve, return 100,000 eligible kids their insurance and keep our rural hospitals open."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Asa Hutchinson:
Kept state "open for business" during pandemic
We have all kept our states "open for business" and delivered food and other goods Americans need during this pandemic. Like other states, we did have to close pieces of our economies temporarily. To meet this challenge, our states moved quickly to
cut red tape and allow private employers to pivot to new business models.As we move into the next phase of managing the pandemic and consider
President Trump's guidelines for "Opening Up America Again," we are applying our propensity for planning to reopen the segments of our economies that temporarily closed. Each of us has identified triggers for when regions of our states and sectors of
our economies should reopen, based on metrics tailored to our unique circumstances. We are sharing expertise and best practices on how to safely reopen restaurants, churches, gyms and other businesses while continuing to slow the spread of infection.
Source: WaPo OpEd by 5 governors for 2020 Missouri governor race
May 5, 2020
Jim Neely:
Missouri not paying overdue Medicaid payments
Amidst all the State government's conversation about promoting and enhancing rural health care, MO HealthNet continues to neuter the Missouri Medicaid program with additional reimbursement cuts and by refusing to pay millions of dollars to
Missouri hospitals for overdue settlements. This non-payment is creating cash flow issues for many Missouri hospitals that have provided the services over the past five years but cannot realize reimbursement for same from the State of Missouri.
Source: Caldwell County News on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race
Mar 11, 2020
Jim Neely:
Championed "Right to Try" experimental treatments law
After his daughter was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013, he championed legislation to give terminally-ill Missourians the right to try experimental treatments.
The legislation has since passed in 40 other states and President Trump signed the federal Right to Try law in 2018.
Source: 2020 Missouri Governor campaign website NeelyForMissouri.com
Jan 21, 2020
Mike Parson:
Expand rural access to emergency & mental health care
A key part of our efforts to improve Missouri's workforce and infrastructure is improving our citizen's healthcare by developing better access to providers and hospitals. Almost 40% of Missourians live in rural areas and, we are committed to making sure
they have access to both preventive and emergency care. We will be providing a substantial increase to help those facing the challenges of mental health, expand telemedicine technology, fight the opioid crisis, and better serve those in need.
Source: 2020 Missouri State of the State address
Jan 15, 2020
Nicole Galloway:
Would expand Medicaid eligibility
Galloway says she would support expanding Medicaid eligibility if she's elected governor. The candidate praised a bipartisan plan spearheaded by
Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and a top Republican lawmaker that would expand government health coverage in the neighboring state. Galloway says she would follow suit if voters elect her over Republican Gov. Mike Parson in November.
Source: KY3-Springfield on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Jan 9, 2020
Mike Parson:
Backed Rx monitoring; couldn't overcome opposition
Missouri retained its title as the only state without a statewide prescription drug monitoring program. The medical community had hoped Missouri would create a statewide electronic database designed to help spot the abuse of prescription drugs.
After all, Republican Gov. Mike Parson had pushed for it and its longtime opponent was no longer in office. But, because of ongoing fears about privacy violations tangled up with gun control, the bill never got a full Senate vote.
Source: Kaiser Health News on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race
May 20, 2019
Mike Parson:
Expand rural access & mental health needs
A key part of our efforts to improve Missouri's workforce and infrastructure is developing better access to providers and hospitals. Almost 40 percent of Missourians live in rural area and we are committed to making sure they too have
access to both preventive and emergency care. In addition, we will be providing a substantial increase to help those facing the challenges of mental health, expand telemedicine technology, fight the opioid crisis, and better serve those in need.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 16, 2019
Josh Hawley:
ObamaCare has raised premiums by 145%
Q: Your opponent Senator McCaskill [has been focusing as] the number-one issue on voters' minds was healthcare? JOSH HAWLEY: On healthcare, Missourians are paying outrageous healthcare costs, up 145% price increases in the state. They want to see
that change. Claire McCaskill is responsible.
Q: If you get elected, are you going to vote to repeal and replace ObamaCare?
JOSH HAWLEY: Yes, I would. I think it's absolutely vital that we get rid of the failures of ObamaCare, we bring down costs,
we protect people with pre-existing conditions in the law with a mandate, Chuck, that ensures that we do it, but that we multiply options for families.
You know, I have had family after family, in this state, come up to me and say, "Look, we can't afford our health insurance. We're having to get a second job, send a spouse back to work." It shouldn't have to be that way.
Source: Meet the Press interviews for 2018 Missouri Senate race
Oct 14, 2018
Josh Hawley:
Cover pre-existing conditions by mandate, without ObamaCare
Q: In your lawsuit against ObamaCare, which you filed as attorney general, you said could've severed the issue of pre-existing conditions. How do you plan on protecting pre-existing conditions?JOSH HAWLEY: There are a number of ways to do it, to
protect folks with pre-existing conditions. Congress should mandate it. My position is insurance companies should be required, by law, to protect folks with pre-existing conditions.
Q: Do you think that's constitutional?
HAWLEY: I do, absolutely.
What's not constitutional is the requirement that people buy health insurance they don't want. But it's absolutely constitutional to say that insurers have to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Congress should mandate it. People like my own
little boy, who has a pre-existing condition, should be covered under the law, but apart from ObamaCare. We don't have to have ObamaCare to do it. I think we need to clear away the failure of ObamaCare and put patients back in charge of their healthcare.
Source: Meet the Press interviews for 2018 Missouri Senate race
Oct 14, 2018
Claire McCaskill:
Protect coverage of pre-existing conditions
Q: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare?Josh Hawley (R): Repeal & replace ACA, which "was never constitutional." Part of lawsuit to end required coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Claire McCaskill (D): Supports "improving" ACA. Offered Senate resolution to protect coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Josh Hawley:
ObamaCare was never constitutional
Q: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare?Josh Hawley (R): Repeal & replace ACA, which "was never constitutional." Part of lawsuit to end required coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Claire McCaskill (D): Supports "improving" ACA. Offered Senate resolution to protect coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Josh Hawley:
Get rid of ObamaCare, but cover pre-existing conditions
Josh Hawley says he is all about making sure anybody can get health insurance, regardless of their medical status: "We need to cover pre-existing conditions," he said earlier this summer.But Hawley is one of the 20 state officials who has signed
onto a new lawsuit seeking to eliminate the Affordable Care Act's guarantee of coverage, which they argue is unconstitutional. Hawley is also a longtime supporter of Congress repealing the law outright. "It's simple: ObamaCare must go,"
he told supporters last year.
Hawley would have Missourians believe there is nothing contradictory in his rhetoric and action--he simply wants to get rid of "ObamaCare," not the law's promise of insurance for anybody regardless of pre-existing
conditions.
In reality, Hawley and other Republicans have no plan for replacing the law with something that would provide the same kind of access. The GOP, including Hawley, is now talking up a Senate bill experts have said wouldn't solve the problem.
Source: Huffington Post on 2018 Missouri Senate race
Sep 2, 2018
Tony Monetti:
Replace ObamaCare with free market
We need to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act, but we must be dedicated to finding a workable, affordable, and accessible alternative. We can empower states to help their citizens find the means to find affordable solutions
within the free market economy. We can do this through creating tax credits and individual health savings accounts and by developing private and public health clinics funding through public and private partnerships.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website MonettiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Austin Petersen:
Marketplace will solve healthcare issues
We need a clean repeal of ObamaCare. Period. It should be legal to buy inexpensive health insurance; it should be legal for insurance companies to sell their products across state lines.
These regulations actually hurt the average American because they reduce options in the marketplace, and they make the remaining options more expensive--oftentimes, prohibitively so.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website AustinPetersen.com
Oct 1, 2017
Angelica Earl:
Supports universal healthcare
When everyone can finally go to the doctor, we'll be able to treat mental health issues, preexisting conditions, women, the elderly, sudden life threatening diseases or situations, veterans, drug addicts, and the homeless.
We are the only industrialized nation that does not ensure healthcare to everyone.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website AngelicaForMissouri.com
Sep 15, 2017
Angelica Earl:
Corporate taxes should pay for single payer
Earl, who worked in a processing center for a Missouri Obamacare exchange before she was recently laid off, plans to center her campaign around her call for a single-payer, "health care for all" system.
Like Sanders, Earl plans to pay for single-payer by making "corporations pay their fair share."
Source: Washington Free Beacon on 2018 Missouri Senatorial race
Aug 11, 2017
Eric Greitens:
ObamaCare has been a disaster in Missouri
With the Republican-led Congress and Trump now pushing to repeal ObamaCare, Gov. Eric Greitens expressed concern about the changes of the replacement plan during a Facebook Live event.Greitens, who has been critical of the Affordable Care Act, said
he has some qualms with the replacement plan: "What they're working on right now in the House is obviously a first draft. I have some concerns with it," said Greitens, a Republican.
Some Republicans have expressed fear that the plan under
consideration is a long way from the free-market insurance competition they'd hoped for. But citing increasing premiums and limited choices of insurers, Greitens maintained that ObamaCare has been a disaster in Missouri.
"We've been talking with
conservatives about what we need to do to build a patient-centered approach that offers flexibility to families so that they have options, and also flexibility to the states so we can build a better system here in the state of Missouri," he went on.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 2018 Missouri Senate race
Mar 17, 2017
Josh Hawley:
Ran for Attorney-General on anti-ObamaCare platform
After spending months on the campaign trail last year railing against ObamaCare, Missouri's new attorney general is staying tight-lipped about his party's plan to replace it. Hawley ran on a platform largely based on his role in a lawsuit against the
Affordable Care Act that went to the U.S. Supreme Court.As a private attorney, he worked with more than a dozen lawyers on a case in which Hobby Lobby and other businesses challenged a federal requirement to provide insurance coverage for
contraceptives for employees.
His campaign web site notes that, "ObamaCare is hurting Missouri families--limiting their healthcare and driving up their bills. And it's hurting jobs. If we want better healthcare and better jobs in our state, it's
simple: ObamaCare must go," it adds.
With the Republican-led Congress and Trump now pushing to repeal ObamaCare, other statewide officials in Missouri have weighed in on the effects of the replacement plan, including Republican Gov. Eric Greitens.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 2018 Missouri Senate race
Mar 17, 2017
John Brunner:
Spur competition instead of ObamaCare
I oppose Obamacare and will continue to fight its implementation in Missouri. My focus will be on creating free market based health care solutions. By reforming Missouri's health care system, we will spur competition, increase transparency, reduce
costs, and improve access for all Missourians. My Mission:- Create a more open health care market by requiring transparency on the quality and cost of care.
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Eliminate expensive and burdensome regulations to lower health care costs.
- Create more competition in the health care insurance to drive insurance costs down, and quality and service up.
- Overhaul and reform
Medicaid by reducing fraud and waste and improving the quality of health care.
- Ensure our veterans have access to the very best care for making the ultimate sacrifice for our state and nation.
Source: 2016 Missouri gubernatorial campaign website JohnBrunner.com
May 10, 2016
Chris Koster:
Closed "tobacco loophole": $50M more in cigarette settlement
Chris Koster tweeted about "closing the tobacco loophole," which he says will save Missourians $50 million. The so-called "tobacco loophole" means more money from the big 5 tobacco companies if Missouri takes a tougher line with smaller companies.
In 1998, Missouri and 45 other states sued the 5 biggest tobacco companies for selling cigarettes which they knew caused cancer. The settlement said that Missouri would receive roughly $130 million a year. All nonparticipating tobacco companies
(other than the big 5) were required to pay into an escrow fund. The "loophole" is that, without "diligent enforcement" against the smaller companies, the bigger companies would lose market share (8%, it turns out) and would hold back part of the $130
million ($50 million in 2014, it turns out).
Koster negotiated a deal with the big 5 tobacco companies to return that $50 million to Missouri, on the condition the state "diligently enforce" on the smaller cigarette makers. We rate this claim True.
Source: PolitiFact.com on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race
May 6, 2016
Lester Turilli:
Loopholes in ObamaCare strain our citizens
Q: Your comments on the statement, "Expand ObamaCare"? A: Our current health care system needs improvement.
There are many issues and loopholes in ObamaCare that have been both straining on our citizens and their employers.ÿ I feel that there are more creative solutions that Missouri can introduce to provide all her citizens with health care.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Missouri candidacy by OnTheIssues
Apr 25, 2016
Roy Blunt:
Reduce costs & improve care, but repeal ObamaCare
Blunt visited seven cities to talk to local health care providers and tour medical facilities in the areas. The Senator spent time at each location receiving feedback from nurses, doctors, patients and administrators, while also discussing his agenda to
repeal ObamaCare and educating constituents on pending legislation. "I look forward to continuing my work with health care providers to ensure that patients are getting the best care possible and have access to affordable, quality health care,"
Blunt said.
Blunt has a long history of supporting health care policies that reduce the rising cost of care and give support to medical professionals in order for them to provide the best health care possible to patients.
Pending legislation presented to this end includes, the Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act, the Excellence in Mental Health Act and common sense reforms to the current Recovery Audit Contract system.
Source: Ripon Advance on 2016 Missouri Senate race
Sep 14, 2015
Peter Kinder:
Led lawsuit by 21 states against ObamaCare
- Fought to Repeal Obamacare. Standing with 72% of Missouri voters, Kinder led Missouri's only legal challenge to the constitutionality of Obamacare. Ultimately, 21 states joined him to support the lawsuit.
- Increase Access to Healthcare.
Jay Nixon, Chris Koster and plaintiff's attorneys have placed Missouri among the nation's least attractive states for physicians.
With meaningful tort and medical malpractice liability reform, Missouri can attract more physicians, and create more access.
Peter will also continue his effort to make healthcare accessible in Missouri's rural areas and urban cores, supporting Federally Qualified Health Clinics.
Source: 2016 Missouri Gubernatorial campaign website PeterKinder.com
Sep 9, 2015
Chris Koster:
ObamaCare generates jobs as well as cuts healthcare costs
Koster released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's ruling on King v. Burwell: "Republicans and Democrats both agree that America's health care system has long needed to change. For too long, those with insurance have had to pay
more to offset the cost of care for those without insurance. This had a negative economic impact for consumers and the economy as a whole."The Affordable Care Act has succeeded at adding thousands of Missourians to the rolls of the insured, and
continues to reduce costs. But its effect on Missouri's economy could be even more beneficial: it could create up to 24,000 jobs in our state and generate billions in labor income.
"Today's ruling was a positive step forward. The subsidies are an
important part of building our health care infrastructure and providing affordable care to low- and middle-income families. I hope our state legislature will now see the economic value in Medicaid expansion and bring Missouri's tax dollars back."
Source: 2016 Missouri gubernatorial campaign website press reelase
Jun 25, 2015
Sam Brownback:
Insurers to provide real-time information of benefits
Legislative Summary: HB 2668: The bill states the people of Kansas all benefit if health plans were required to provide real-time Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) on request when a physician submits an electronic claim predetermination
request.Supporting statement in Missouri Medicine: High deductible plans and high co-insurance plans now dominate both the private sector plans and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange plans.ÿKnowing the out of pocket costs of
non-emergency health care services is part of the informed decision process between a physician and patient. Patients need to know the financial obligation they will incur as well as being able to have time and ability to satisfy it. Knowing what out of
pocket expenses will be due is important in the rapidly changing health care environment.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 38-2-0 on Apr/2/14; Passed House 97-27-1 on May/2/14; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on May/12/14
Source: Missouri Medicine analysis of Kansas HB 2668 voting records
May 12, 2014
Jake LaTurner:
Insurers to provide real-time information of benefits
Legislative Summary: HB 2668: The bill states the people of Kansas all benefit if health plans were required to provide real-time Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) on request when a physician submits an electronic claim predetermination
request.Supporting statement in Missouri Medicine: High deductible plans and high co-insurance plans now dominate both the private sector plans and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange plans.ÿKnowing the out of pocket costs of
non-emergency health care services is part of the informed decision process between a physician and patient. Patients need to know the financial obligation they will incur as well as being able to have time and ability to satisfy it. Knowing what out of
pocket expenses will be due is important in the rapidly changing health care environment.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 38-2-0 on 4/2/14; Sen. Jake LaTurner voted YES; Passed House 97-27-1 on 5/2; Signed by Gov. Brownback on 5/12
Source: Missouri Medicine analysis of Kansas HB 2668 voting records
Apr 2, 2014
Laura Kelly:
Insurers to provide real-time information of benefits
Legislative Summary: HB 2668: The bill states the people of Kansas all benefit if health plans were required to provide real-time Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) on request when a physician submits an electronic claim predetermination
request.Supporting statement in Missouri Medicine: High deductible plans and high co-insurance plans now dominate both the private sector plans and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange plans.ÿKnowing the out of pocket costs of
non-emergency health care services is part of the informed decision process between a physician and patient. Patients need to know the financial obligation they will incur as well as being able to have time and ability to satisfy it. Knowing what out of
pocket expenses will be due is important in the rapidly changing health care environment.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 38-2-0 on 4/2/14; State Sen. Kelly voted YES; Passed House 97-27-1 on 5/2; Signed by Gov. Brownback on 5/12
Source: Missouri Medicine analysis of Kansas HB 2668 voting records
Apr 2, 2014
Susan Wagle:
Insurers to provide real-time information of benefits
Legislative Summary: HB 2668: The bill states the people of Kansas all benefit if health plans were required to provide real-time Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) on request when a physician submits an electronic claim predetermination
request.Supporting statement in Missouri Medicine: High deductible plans and high co-insurance plans now dominate both the private sector plans and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange plans.ÿKnowing the out of pocket costs of
non-emergency health care services is part of the informed decision process between a physician and patient. Patients need to know the financial obligation they will incur as well as being able to have time and ability to satisfy it. Knowing what out of
pocket expenses will be due is important in the rapidly changing health care environment.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 38-2-0 on 4/2/14; State Sen. Wagle voted YES; Passed House 97-27-1 on 5/2; Signed by Gov. Brownback on 5/12
Source: Missouri Medicine analysis of Kansas HB 2668 voting records
Apr 2, 2014
Chris Koster:
Expanding Medicaid provides immediate fiscal stimulus
The two most impactful steps lawmakers can take today to create a top 10 business climate are these: cut taxes and expand Medicaid. Landing Missouri among the top 10 business-friendly states in America will not be easy, and we may not accomplish the goal
in one legislative session. But whether we achieve the goal in 1 year or over several years, top 10 must be our end.As lawmakers cut taxes to promote job growth in Missouri, they should simultaneously expand Medicaid. More than any other legislative
act, Medicaid expansion will provide immediate fiscal stimulus to Missouri's economy.
Under the proposed program, each dollar Missouri dedicates to Medicaid expansion will return 19 dollars in new investment to our state, an annual return of
1,900 percent on our tax dollars.
Medicaid expansion is not supported by only Democrats. It is supported by many right-leaning groups and prominent Republicans as well, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond.
Source: Koster StLToday.com column: 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race
Feb 18, 2014
Jay Nixon:
$10M for more services in community mental health centers
In recent years we have seen the tragic consequences when people with serious mental illness don't get the help they need. Right now, many people with severe mental illness only get treatment when they reach a crisis point. That's too late.
My budget includes $10 million to help those with mental illness get timely, effective treatment in their own communities. That money will be used to:- Provide more services in our community mental health centers;
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Increase mental health first-aid training for professionals so they can recognize the early warning signs of mental illness.
- Train law enforcement in mental health crisis-intervention;
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And teach families how to care for loved ones who suffer from severe mental illness.
We must do everything in our power to get folks the treatment they need, before it's too late.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Missouri Legislature
Jan 28, 2013
Sarah Steelman:
End intrusive regulations; repeal ObamaCare
Former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman cast herself as a fighter for freedom over her career. All three candidates denounced intrusive government regulations, which they say are hurting businesses and farmers and hindering the economic recovery.
They also support repealing the health care law signed by President Barack Obama. Saturday's debate was the first featuring all there Republican candidates for the August primary.
Source: KSDK coverage of 2012 Missouri Senate debate
Feb 19, 2012
Robin Carnahan:
Repeal Congress' healthcare if you want to repeal ObamaCare
The Kansas City Star reports that in the race for a Senate seat in Missouri, "Democrat Robin Carnahan and Republican Roy Blunt exchanged accusations and promised changes in Washington during a crisp, pointed one-hour debate. The sharpest exchange came
during a discussion of health care reform. Carnahan accused Blunt of opposing the health care law because of ties to lobbyists. 'I think people should have access,' she said. 'They should have the same access you have as a member of Congress.
So I think if you want to repeal health care reform and let insurance companies go back to their worst abuses, Congressman, then you ought to repeal your own first. And man up. And do what you're asking other people to do.'
That prompted a quick response from the Republican, who accused Carnahan of opposing medical liability reform, a move he said would reduce the cost of health care, because she's taken support from lawyers."
Source: Medical News Today coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate Debate
Oct 18, 2010
Roy Blunt:
Medical liability reform would reduce cost of health care
The Kansas City Star reports that in the race for a Senate seat in Missouri, "Democrat Robin Carnahan and Republican Roy Blunt exchanged accusations and promised changes in Washington during a crisp, pointed one-hour debate. The sharpest exchange came
during a discussion of health care reform. Carnahan accused Blunt of opposing the health care law because of ties to lobbyists. 'I think people should have access,' she said. 'They should have the same access you have as a member of Congress.
So I think if you want to repeal health care reform and let insurance companies go back to their worst abuses, Congressman, then you ought to repeal your own first. And man up. And do what you're asking other people to do.'
That prompted a quick response from the Republican, who accused Carnahan of opposing medical liability reform, a move he said would reduce the cost of health care, because she's taken support from lawyers."
Source: Medical News Today coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate Debate
Oct 18, 2010
Roy Blunt:
Missourians know ObamaCare won't work
Blunt zeroed in on several recent Democrat-backed bills--the $787 billion economic stimulus package, health care reform and the proposed cap-and-trade climate change legislation--as he sought to tie Carnahan to the
Democrats in power. "This agenda is way too extreme for Americans," said Blunt."I'm different," Carnahan said, accusing Blunt of wanting to disband Medicare, the government health care program for seniors and the disabled. Blunt disputed the claim.
Blunt pushed back on health care reform, citing the Proposition C ballot initiative opposing the bill that passed by more than 70%. "Missourians know this won't work," he said. "As people find out what's in this bill, they know there are better ways.
Carnahan accused Blunt not addressing the problem of rising health care costs sooner. "If you wanted to do something about health care, why didn't you do it when you were in charge?" she said.
Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Robin Carnahan:
To repeal ObamaCare, repeal Congress plan first
The pair's sharpest exchange came over the health care reform law, which Blunt has said should be repealed. Carnahan suggested
Blunt should first surrender his own congressional health insurance. "If you want to repeal health care reform and let insurance companies go back to their worst abuses,
Congressman, then you ought to repeal your own first," she said. "And man up, and do what you're asking other people to do."Blunt responded by saying he tried to limit health care costs by limiting medical malpractice liability--a position he said
Carnahan opposed because of financial support from trial lawyers. "Don't tell me I wasn't doing my job," Blunt said. "Don't tell me I wasn't trying."
Source: Kansas City Star coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 14, 2010
Roy Blunt:
Limit health costs by limiting medical malpractice liability
The pair's sharpest exchange came over the health care reform law, which Blunt has said should be repealed. Carnahan suggested
Blunt should first surrender his own congressional health insurance. "If you want to repeal health care reform and let insurance companies go back to their worst abuses,
Congressman, then you ought to repeal your own first," she said. "And man up, and do what you're asking other people to do."Blunt responded by saying he tried to limit health care costs by limiting medical malpractice liability--a position he said
Carnahan opposed because of financial support from trial lawyers. "Don't tell me I wasn't doing my job," Blunt said. "Don't tell me I wasn't trying."
Source: Kansas City Star coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 14, 2010
Bob Holden:
Use tobacco settlement to pay for senior prescriptions
I want to see that our state’s portion of the national tobacco settlement is used for vital health care needs, [including] helping our senior citizens cope with skyrocketing prescription costs. As you know, Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs, and
many of our seniors certainly cannot afford to buy separate insurance. Prescription drug relief for seniors is one of my highest priorities this year. Under my plan, no eligible senior will pay more than $1,500 a person or $3,000 a family for their
prescription drugs in any one year. In addition, those seniors and those disabled Missourians on Medicare or Supplemental Security Income who do not already have insurance coverage for prescriptions will be able to buy their medicines at reduced rates-up
to 20% less than they are currently paying. Because of these actions, we will be able to phase out our present prescription drug tax credit, which has failed to help those seniors who most need our assistance because of catastrophic health care costs.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech in Missouri House Chambers
Jan 30, 2001
Bob Holden:
Healthy Families Initiative: health care access for all
My Healthy Families Initiative tackles our problem of providing health care access to all Missourians. Over 90% of our counties are designated as shortage areas for health care professionals. At the same time, many of our medical facilities that treat
uninsured Missourians are facing budget cuts that may force them to reduce medical services to the poor. I want to see us maintain a health care system that provides continued health care access for low-income adults, guarantees hospital care for the
uninsured, increases medical education payments to teaching hospitals, and establishes grants for rural and hospital-based clinics.We need recruitment incentives so primary care doctors and dentists will take their practices into the underserved areas
of our state. We will also establish a telehealth center at the U. Missouri School of Medicine so patients and providers can interact with health care professionals miles away and medical training is available to doctors in isolated areas of the state.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech in Missouri House Chambers
Jan 30, 2001
Catherine Hanaway:
Supports tort reform; oppose state-run healthcare
Hanaway indicated support for the following principles regarding health issues.- Provide tax incentives to small businesses that provide health care to their employees.
-
Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
- Guaranteeing medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Nancy Farmer:
Citizens have access to basic health care
Principles which Farmer supports regarding health care:- Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care, through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
- Require that all health insurance plans include
coverage of childhood immunizations.
- Support legislation to assure that workers will have portable health insurance if they lose their jobs.
- Support legislation to require insurance providers to cover individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Source: 1996 Missouri National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1996
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021