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Amendment May Kill Health Care Bill

February 8, 2000
By: Kyle Elfrink
State Capital Bureau

A health care bill that would help small business owners and farmers may be done for the year.

From Jefferson City, Kyle Elfrink has the details.

Story:Elfrink
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OutCue: SOC

The Missouri House voted to change a portion of the health care bill.

The amendment allows insurers to set rates based on pre-existing conditions, a point not in the original bill.

The bill's sponsor, Tim Harlan says he won't support a bill with such an amendment. He says he'll spend the next few days trying to change votes. If he can't he'll kill the bill.

Actuality:HARLAN2
RunTime: 09
OutCue: "FINAL DECISION."
Contents: HARLAN SAYS THERE IS STILL A GOOD CHANCE THAT HE COULD CHANGE THE MINDS OF MANY HOUSE MEMBERS.

According to Harlan, insurance lobbyists pushed hard for the amendment and persuaded many legislators to change their vote.

From the state capitol, I'm Kyle Elfrink.Date: February 8, 2000

The Missouri House voted across party lines to change a health care bill. From Jefferson City, Kyle Elfrink has more.

Story:Elfrink
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

The original proposal provided lower costs to small business owners and their employees regardless of pre-existing conditions. The change now allows insurance companies to consider the health of individuals when they set rates.

Sponsor Tim Harlan says he's going to shelve the bill for now.

Actuality:HARLAN1
RunTime: 10
OutCue: "THAT AMENDMENT."
Contents: HARLAN SAYS THERE IS NO WAY HE'LL KEEP THE BILL ALIVE IF THE CURRENT AMENDMENT IS A PART OF IT.

If Harlan fails to rally support, he says he'll kill the bill. From the state capitol, I'm Kyle Elfrink.