Sen. Rupp Appointed to Lead Senate Committee

Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-, was appointed to chair the Senate Interim Committee on Health Insurance Exchanges. Sen. Rupp will lead six of his colleagues who are also appointed to serve on the committee.

“I am honored to have been selected to direct this committee,” Rupp said. “As the effective date of federal health care legislation nears, I will work diligently to recommend solutions that will best fit Missouri and our citizens’ health insurance needs.”

The committee is responsible for researching Missouri’s options regarding the establishment of a health insurance exchange and to study its effect on existing state laws. Health insurance exchanges are required under federal law — states may decide whether they would like to form their own health insurance exchange, team up with neighboring states to form an exchange, or join an exchange established by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

“This committee is the best way to tackle difficult issues regarding today’s health care system and possible insurance requirements,” Rupp said. “I look forward to working with my fellow lawmakers to lead our state into the future.”

The Senate Interim Committee on Health Insurance Exchanges will share its recommendations on the establishment of Missouri’s health insurance exchange and its effect on state law to the General Assembly.

The committee’s meetings will be held throughout the state, including St. Louis, Kansas City and in Jefferson City during veto session, which will begin in September.

Dates for the meetings have yet to be announced.