Missouri’s Certificate of Need (CON) law turns 45 this year, but it’s not aging well. Many Missouri’s are realizing that their CON law, which came with big promises, is not living up to expectations.
Certificate of Need laws were originally created to reduce and control healthcare costs by limiting and controlling the expansion of healthcare facilities in our state. These laws not only limit the facilities that are allowed to open, but also limit the equipment those providers can purchase and services they can offer.
However, there is little evidence to support the claim that CON laws reduce healthcare costs and increase access to healthcare for the poor.
Watch this video by journalist Gayla Prewitt to learn more about why Missouri’s Certificate of Need is not delivering on its promises and should be repealed.
After seeing the poor outcomes from these CON laws, some states have either scaled back or completely eliminated their Certificate of Need programs. In Missouri, Senator Mike Moon has filed legislation for the past several sessions that would not just chip away at Missouri’s Certificate of Need law, but completely repeal it. This year’s SB 1087 has been referred to the Senate Health and Welfare committee and may receive a hearing soon.
Gayla Prewitt explains more about Missouri’s Certificate of Need law in this recent interview.
If you agree that Missouri’s Certificate of Need law should be repealed, please contact your Missouri Senator and tell them to support Sen. Mike Moon’s SB 1087. You can find your Missouri senator here:
https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default
For more information on Missouri’s Certificate of Need law, we urge you to also read this article. Then stay up-to-date on our IHC action alerts and events by signing up for our newsletter.
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