5298S.04F
SENATE SUBSTITUTE
FOR
HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
FOR
HOUSE BILL NO. 1576
AN ACT
To amend chapters 103 and 210, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to the purchase of state health insurance by certain foster parents.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:
Section A. Chapters 103 and 210, RSMo, are amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 103.078 and 210.539, to read as follows:
103.078. In accordance with section 210.539, the Missouri consolidated health care plan shall allow a foster parent who qualifies for state health insurance under section 210.539 to purchase the same state health insurance as state employees for himself or herself and his or her dependents at the actuarially determined rate of total premium for such health care coverage. Foster parents shall not have access to other health insurance coverage through an employer or spouse's employer. Foster parents shall provide documentation of eligibility for state health insurance prior to purchase of any state health insurance under the Missouri consolidated health care plan.
210.539. 1. Any specialized foster parent as defined in section 210.543 and licensed under this chapter who provides temporary foster care for children who have a documented history of presenting behaviors or diagnoses which render the child unable to effectively function outside of a highly structured setting, not in anticipation of adoption and not for children related to such foster parent may, at the foster parent's own expense, purchase the same state health insurance as state employees for himself or herself and his or her dependents through the Missouri consolidated health care plan at the actuarially determined rate of total premium for such health care coverage.
2. Documentation of eligibility for the purchase of state health insurance shall be required prior to the purchase of any such insurance. The department of social services shall provide the appropriate documentation of initial and ongoing eligibility of foster parents who qualify for the purchase of state health insurance under this section to the Missouri consolidated health care plan.