Tagged: health care

Kansas City, Mo. – Much of the recently passed federal health reform law won't be implemented for several years. But one measure targeting young adults could take effect as early as next week. That's especially good news for college graduates. But the new change may not be as widespread in Kansas City as in other places.

Topkea, Kan. – The number of Kansans without health insurance is expected to drop by 190,000 when the new health care law is fully implemented, starting in 2014. A study released this week shows who will pick up the tab for that expanded coverage. Kansas Public Radio's Bryan Thompson explains.

Kansas City, Mo. – The new federal health law includes changes to insurance rules that could affect as many as a quarter of Missourians.

About 1.2 million people between the ages 18 and 64 have a diagnosed health condition in Missouri. That's according to a new study from the national consumer advocacy group Families U.S.A., which recently analyzed data from government surveys.

Jefferson City, Mo. – A final vote by the Missouri House yesterday has authorized a referendum for August over the state's participation in the new federal health care law.

The referendum states that citizens and employers cannot be compelled to take part in any public or private health care system. It's designed to challenge the new health care law signed by President Obama that requires most Americans to have health insurance or face fines.

GOP House Speaker Pro-tem Bryan Pratt (R, Blue Springs) strongly supported the bill.

Topeka, Kan. – A so-called "Health Care Freedom Amendment" to the Kansas constitution failed today in the House. The amendment is aimed at exempting the state from federal health care laws that would require Kansans to have health insurance.

Supporters have argued it would send a message that they disapprove of the law signed today by President Obama. But they fell nine votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass a constitutional amendment.

St. Louis, Mo. – Missouri's Congressional delegation stuck mostly to party lines, as the House in a rare Sunday session sent a massive overhaul of the health care system to President Obama.

Republicans are vowing to use the bill against the Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections. Among their targets is Congressmen Russ Carnahan.

Topeka, Kan. – Kansas third district Representative Dennis Moore says he plans to vote in favor of the health care reconciliation bill when it comes to the floor of the House.

Moore serves on the House Budget Committee, which is charged with reviewing legislation under the rules of reconciliation. That committee has reported the so called Reconciliation Act of 2010 to the House Rules Committee with instructions. That's the last stop before a vote by the full House.

Topeka, Kan. / Jefferson City, Mo. – A measure pushing back against the federal government passed in the Kansas House Monday by a vote of 109 to 11. The resolution calls on the federal government to stop passing laws that put mandates on the states.

Proponents have argued the federal government is encroaching on states' rights. The non-binding measure has no legal authority, but Republican Representative Joe Patton told fellow lawmakers it still carries weight.