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The latest news from every corner of the state, including policy emerging from Missouri's capitol.

Gov. Parson Calls Special Session To Address Funding For MO HealthNet Program

https://www.facebook.com/GovMikeParson/

Updated: 06/22/21 at 1:25pm

 

 

 

 

 

Just before noon on Tues. June 22, Gov. Parson announced that there will be a special session called for the Missouri Legislature on Wed. June 23 at Noon, to address funding for the MO HealthNet program. It will focus solely on extending the Federal Reimbursement Allowances, or FRA, and related allowances, taxes and assessments, which are necessary for funding MO HealthNet before cost-saving measures are needed on July 1.

 

 

On Mon. June 21, Governor Mike Parson held a press conference addressing the efforts needed to extend the Federal Reimbursement Allowances (FRA) and related allowances.

Live at the State Capitol, and streamed on his Facebook page, Gov. Parson discussed taxes and assessments necessary for funding MO HealthNet, before cost-savings measures are needed on July 1. 

 

 

Gov. Parson explained the state of Missouri would face costs of an estimated $592 million in the fiscal year 2022, and $788 million in 2023, if the program's extension failed.  Payments from the Missouri Health Net program would be reduced by $1.52 billion in 2022 and $2 billion in 2023. 

 

“If FRA is not extended my administration will be forced to make budget restrictions across the state government and the consequences would be felt by all Missourians,” said Parson.

Parson mentioned that funding for education, workforce, and infrastructure investments would need to be put on the line including restrictions and withholds on higher education, capital improvement projects, early literacy programs, school safety planning, career center improvements, school transportation funding, social services, foster care and adoption services, healthcare, independent living centers and various other services. 

“Those people that I just listed, affect every one of us, from the people around our own hometowns. These are the people you live with, the people you go to church with, these are people in all of our communities across the state of Missouri,” said Parson. “This almost affects every capacity we have in the state government to go down this road.”

Parson explained that the administration is prepared to make compromises necessary to avoid conflict and agree upon a solution in the short extension of time left. 

“There is no need to jeopardize our strong economy and thousands of livelihoods to have a fight that erodes the trust Missourians have placed in us to lead,” said Parson. 

Parson has set the deadline of Tues. June 22 at noon, to conclude a final decision on the FRA deal. 

 

John is a proud 2006 Alum of Southeast Missouri State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication – Radio option, with a minor in Management. He has been a life-long listener of KRCU Public Radio, but began his radio career as a student DJ on Rage 103.7 KDMC-LP in 2003.